alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
Synonyms of alliancenext
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

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
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.
For more than two decades, the socialist revolution launched by Hugo Chávez appeared to have permanently reshaped Venezuela, creating a ruling system sustained by patronage, military loyalty and international alliances that seemed built to outlast any single leader. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 The alliance confirmed the deal in a separate statement on its website Saturday. ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 Following the French Revolution, Britain emerged as a key antagonist, and the Royal Navy attacked Denmark to thwart a naval alliance between Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, and Russia. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026 The royal visit is intended to commemorate 250 years of American independence and, perhaps, to help steady relations at a time of strain in the transatlantic alliance. Karla Adam The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alliance

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alliance was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

alliance

noun
al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
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 How to pronounce Alliance (audio)
city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322

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