alliance

1 a formal agreement between two or more nations or peoples the smaller countries signed an alliance pledging to protect one another against the belligerent behemoth in their midst Synonyms accord, treaty, compact, convention, covenant, pactRelated Words entente, entente cordiale; bargain, bond, charter, concord, contract, deal, settlement, understanding; projet

2 an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection an alliance between the French and the Algonquians to check Iroquois advances into their territory Synonyms confederacy, axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, combine, confederation, federation, league, unionRelated Words cabal, conspiracy, junto; cartel, syndicate, trust; faction, front, fusion, side, wing; association, group, organization; affiliation, cooperative, partnership; circuit, conference

3 the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters) in alliance with booksellers, the nation's schools are promoting National Reading Month Synonyms affiliation, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, linkup, partnership, relation, relationship, tie-up, unionRelated Words business, dealings, interaction; exchange, interconnection, interrelation, mutualism, reciprocity, symbiosis; incorporation, integration, merger, unification; affinity, attachment, closeness, intimacy, rapport, sympathy; kinship, oneness, solidarity, togetherness, unity; colleagueship, companionship, company, fellowship; bed, cahoots, leagueNear Antonyms breakup, dissolution, disunion; division, parting, separation, severance, split; alienation, divorce, estrangementAntonyms disaffiliation, dissociation