alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt How to pronounce alignment (audio)
variants or less commonly alinement
Synonyms of alignmentnext
1
: the act of aligning or state of being aligned
especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Side sleepers require pressure relief around pinch points (shoulders and hips) and adequate support to maintain good spinal alignment, so Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses are best. Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 Trump hasn’t been a fan of Ukraine for quite some time now, so his alignment with Putin on Russia’s war is no longer surprising. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 The deal covers early design and engineering work and sets the foundation for deeper industrial alignment across the partner nations. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026 Innovation success depends on how a collective is structured, particularly its level of search dependence and goal alignment. Harvard Business Review, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alignment

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alignment was in 1742

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alignment. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids 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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