alliance

noun

al·li·ance | \ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s

Definition of alliance

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

Alliance

geographical name

Al·li·ance | \ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s

Definition of Alliance (Entry 2 of 2)

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about alliance

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Examples of alliance in a Sentence

Noun

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: Noun

Trump's harsh words for Merkel, whose country has hosted tens of thousands of U.S. troops that have been key to post-WWII stability in Europe for seven decades, struck at the core of the alliance. — Jonathan Lemire And Jill Colvin, Houston Chronicle, "Trump rattles NATO, knocking its value, assailing Germany," 12 July 2018 The mission is part of the 29-member alliance's attempt to help Iraq rebuild and ensure that the Islamic State group can't gain a new foothold there. — Fox News, "NATO allies offer trainers, seek to set disputes aside," 11 July 2018 The mission is part of the 29-member alliance's attempt to help Iraq rebuild and ensure that the Islamic State group can't gain a new foothold there. — The Christian Science Monitor, "As NATO seeks to prove relevance, Canada offers to lead Iraq mission," 11 July 2018 But instead of issuing threats, Mattis has relied on rousing language, touting the importance of the alliance in combating terrorism and countering Russia. — Missy Ryan, Greg Jaffe, Anchorage Daily News, "At summit, Mattis faces uphill battle," 10 July 2018 While its foreign policy has enabled it to generate an impressive base of national power, Beijing has been unable to inculcate a distinct vision within a network of alliances. — Ali Wyne, The New Republic, "Is America Choosing Decline?," 21 June 2018 The alliance of United States, Mexico and Canada was awarded the 2026 World Cup by FIFA Wednesday morning, bringing the premier event in international sports back to the U.S. after a 32-year absence. — Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times, star-telegram, "2026 World Cup is awarded to North America," 13 June 2018 Russia was kicked out of the alliance in 2014 following its annexation of the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine. — Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Of course Trump wants Russia back in G-7, says Yarmuth. They elected him.," 8 June 2018 Look, for instance, at what Bill Gates managed to do with Gavi, a hugely ambitious vaccine alliance that brings the world’s governments together for a mass immunization program. — Felix Salmon, WIRED, "Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Ethically Iffy ‘Philanthropy," 15 May 2018

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

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Last Updated

11 Oct 2018

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The first known use of alliance was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for alliance

alliance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of alliance

: a union between people, groups, countries, etc. : a relationship in which people agree to work together

: the state of being joined in some activity or effort : the state of being allied

: a group of people, countries, etc., that are joined together in some activity or effort

See the full definition for alliance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

alliance

noun

al·li·ance | \ə-ˈlī-əns

Kids Definition of alliance

1 : a relationship in which people, groups, or countries agree to work together The oil company and the environmental group formed an unusual alliance.

2 : an association of people, groups, or nations working together for a specific purpose the Alliance for Arts Education