alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the state of being allied : the action of allying

nations in close alliance

b

: a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals

a closer alliance between government and industry

2

: an association to further the common interests of the members

specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty

the alliance of Western nations

3

: union by relationship in qualities : affinity

an alliance of industry and academia

4

: a treaty of alliance

Synonyms of alliance

• treaty
• pact

Examples of alliance in a Sentence

We need to form a closer alliance between government and industry.

strengthen the alliance of western nations

There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world.

The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media.

one nation working in alliance with another

There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

But Oliva, with the homelessness alliance, said programs that get people off the street without preconditions were a big part of the latest declines, especially among veterans. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

Viewers will learn about the fragile alliance between the English settlers and the Wampanoag people, and the conflict that set the stage for the earliest foundations of American identity, according to Fox Nation. — Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Forming such an alliance could be especially divisive for Eisenkot after more than three years of war in Gaza. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

The four-party alliance seeking to replace him secured just 48 seats. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for alliance

• science
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

Kids Definition

alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the state of being allied

2

a

: a union between persons, families, or parties

b

: a union between nations for assistance and protection

3

: a treaty of alliance

Geographical Definition

Alliance

geographical name

Al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton