alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• accord
• compact
• convention
• covenant
• pact
• treaty

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

The reasons cited included the ease of booking, the low cost of redemptions, and the ability to book on partner airlines within the SkyTeam alliance. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2024

Two far-right alliances are now the third- and fourth-largest groupings in the parliament, ahead of the centrist Renew Europe group. —Hans Kundnani, Foreign Affairs, 10 Sep. 2024

The bloc emerged in response to the challenge from National Rally, and is a loose alliance of various socialist and leftist parties. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

The alliance brings together all aspects of storage, handling, and transportation of art, including a museum-quality facility and a professional team of art managers, handlers, installers, and more What Are Art Collection Management Services? —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see ally entry 1

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

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 

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322