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

Russian hybrid attacks are different from a traditional armed attack, but the alliance could theoretically trigger the collective defense clause in those cases. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

The latest public clash between the Spencers and Windsors is therefore a test of alliances for the British royal clan. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

One major key to Netflix and HBO Max growth in international has been their bundling in international markets through partnerships with local distributors, such as HBO Max’s alliance in Germany with RTL+. — John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

The blasts just across the Danube are a reminder of how close war is to NATO territory — at a time many fear Russian President Vladimir Putin might want to test the alliance’s resolve. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 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