alignment
noun
align·ment
ə-ˈlīn-mənt 
variants
or less commonly alinement
1
2
a
: a forming in line
b
: the line thus formed
3
: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile
4
: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another
new alignments within the political party
Examples of alignment in a Sentence
The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements.
New alignments have been created within the political party.
Recent Examples on the Web
As debt surpasses $1.7 trillion, solutions balancing access, affordability, and labor market alignment remain urgent.
—
Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
That conference is now much more concentrated on the East Coast (go figure!), with its 10-team membership reminiscent of a streamlined version of the Big East’s classic 16-team alignment.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
This trend away from alignment with the ruling party is also not unique.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
The concept of mechanical alignment, where particles orient themselves in response to aerodynamic forces, was first proposed in 1952 by Cornell astronomer Tommy Gold to explain how interstellar dust particles might align with gas flows.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alignment
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Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
That conference is now much more concentrated on the East Coast (go figure!), with its 10-team membership reminiscent of a streamlined version of the Big East’s classic 16-team alignment.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
This trend away from alignment with the ruling party is also not unique.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
The concept of mechanical alignment, where particles orient themselves in response to aerodynamic forces, was first proposed in 1952 by Cornell astronomer Tommy Gold to explain how interstellar dust particles might align with gas flows.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alignment
Cite this Entry
“Alignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alignment. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alignment
noun
align·ment
variants
also alinement
1
a
: the act of aligning : the state of being aligned
b
: the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other
2
: an arrangement of groups or forces
a new political alignment
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