coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən 

1

a

: the act of coalescing : union

the coalition of water vapor into raindrops

b

: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination

They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.

2

: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

coalitionist

ˌkō-ə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of coalition

• faction
• party
• wing
• side
• bloc
• team

Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition.

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ahead of October’s election, Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition is trailing in opinion polls, and the prime minister is seeking to balance pressure from Washington with demands from hardline Israeli ministers not to make concessions to Hamas. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

The restoration runs through a coalition of four local groups, the oldest founded 26 years ago. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

It was drafted with tenant input and by a diverse coalition of community supporters. — Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Turkey’s Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday that Ankara is participating in meetings in Jeddah aimed at establishing the coalition. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose