alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The alliances people form, the water cooler conversations, the unspoken rules about who gets promoted. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Just this week, the alliance released its first ever Commercial Space Strategy, stressing three goals – leveraging commercial solutions, ensuring continuous access during peace, crisis or conflict and bolstering coherent relationships with the commercial sector. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 27 June 2025 Republican Senator Mike Lee has introduced a bill to withdraw the U.S. from NATO, which comes after a two-day alliance summit in The Hague. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 The alliance is like an insurance policy, with a commitment by member states to come to one another's defense when they are attacked. Massimo Calabresi, Time, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alliance

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

alliance

noun
al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
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 How to pronounce Alliance (audio)
city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322

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