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
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
Miners have only weeks to move dirt before winter shuts them down, alliances fracture, tempers explode and fortunes hang by a thread.
—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Its assessment is critical of Europe’s approach to the war Russia started in Ukraine and calls for an end to the perception of NATO as an expanding alliance.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
China is cast not as an enemy but as a strategic rival whose economic power must be counterbalanced through tariffs, reindustrialization and alliances.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Receiving word in Paris of both the victory at Saratoga and loss of Philadelphia on the same December day, Franklin used the former to secure a treaty with France in February 1778 that opened trade between the two countries and established terms for a military alliance.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alliance
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Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Its assessment is critical of Europe’s approach to the war Russia started in Ukraine and calls for an end to the perception of NATO as an expanding alliance.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
China is cast not as an enemy but as a strategic rival whose economic power must be counterbalanced through tariffs, reindustrialization and alliances.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Receiving word in Paris of both the victory at Saratoga and loss of Philadelphia on the same December day, Franklin used the former to secure a treaty with France in February 1778 that opened trade between the two countries and established terms for a military alliance.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alliance
Cite this Entry
“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 population 22,322
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