align

verb

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\ ə-ˈlīn

variants: or less commonly aline

aligned also alined; aligning also alining; aligns also alines

Definition of align

transitive verb

1 : to bring into line or alignment aligned the books on the shelf

2 : to array on the side of or against a party or cause He aligned himself with the protesters.

intransitive verb

1 : to get or fall into line He aligned with his friends against a common enemy.

2 : to be in or come into precise adjustment or correct relative position Negative ends of molecules align with positive ends of other molecules.

Other Words from align More Example Sentences Learn More about align

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Examples of align in a Sentence

He aligned the two holes so he could put the screw through them. The two parts of the machine are not properly aligned. The text aligns with the bottom of the picture. The schools had to align their programs with state requirements. She is aligning with other senators to oppose his nomination.

Recent Examples on the Web Even if your personal values don’t perfectly align with those of your classmates and/or the administration, learn how to navigate it effectively. — Mlt, Forbes, "Top Tips For Overcoming Imposter Syndrome And Thriving At Business School," 26 Feb. 2021 Although this story doesn't align with what's taught in the Bible, there are certainly similarities. — Kelly Corbett, House Beautiful, "Here's What History Tells Us About the Easter Bunny's Origins," 26 Feb. 2021 The first floor votes on Biden's COVID-19 package are coming Friday in the House, yet united Republican opposition in Congress doesn't align with public polling on the topic. — Rick Klein, ABC News, "GOP finds risky form of unity in opposing COVID relief bill: The Note," 25 Feb. 2021 Maloy said legislative counsel has indicated that piece of the bill could be challenged in court but related it to the state’s marijuana laws, which don’t align with a federal prohibition against legal cannabis. — Taylor Stevens, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah House committee advances bill to block cities and counties from creating firearm regulations," 22 Feb. 2021 Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times do not align with his intentions.... — Heran Mamo, Billboard, "Kim Kardashian Files for Divorce From Kanye West: Report," 19 Feb. 2021 Years ago, northwest Arkansas smartly acknowledged its regional similarities, and thrives from it today even when hyper-local issues do not align. — Arkansas Online, "Modernity is key to state's success," 14 Feb. 2021 Family members also said the accounts from the officers didn't align with what witnesses have told them. — Taylor Pettaway, San Antonio Express-News, "Family of man killed by SAPD disappointed by limited body cam footage they were allowed to view," 8 Feb. 2021 In Greater Boston, a higher portion of fatal crashes occurred during the morning and afternoon periods, compared to 2019 — which would typically align with rush hour, when traffic is heaviest and slowest. — BostonGlobe.com, "Driving decreased in Mass. last year, but not traffic deaths," 7 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'align.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.