coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən 

1

a

: the act of coalescing : union

the coalition of water vapor into raindrops

b

: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination

They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.

2

: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

coalitionist

ˌkō-ə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of coalition

• faction
• party
• wing
• side
• bloc
• team

Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition.

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the bill hasn't yet attracted enough support to pass into law because two of the three parties in Luxon's coalition government will vote against it. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

The merger remains on hold, possibly until June, while a federal judge considers a lawsuit from a coalition of state attorneys general challenging the deal over antitrust grounds. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

The organization has formed a coalition with 70 other groups, including faith leaders, business executives, unions and other voting rights advocates. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2026

Missouri Workers Power, a coalition of progressive advocacy groups that oppose the city helping fund the project, is still seeking to force a public vote. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose