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

That's a major challenge for her ruling coalition, which lacks a majority in both the Upper and Lower houses of the Diet. —Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025

Moore also served as co-chairman of Better Boundaries, the bipartisan coalition behind the 2018 proposition to establish an independent redistricting commission. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 22 Nov. 2025

Such progress has spurred establishment parties to muster up broad coalitions to avoid including far-right representation or at least leadership. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The group is a creative coalition for those who lead, create and transform culture from within the industry. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition
• deposition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

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