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

His apparent alliance with Trump was not his first link with a president. —James Barron, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

The once sturdy alliance between the Democratic communities in Hobart Township fractured Thursday as the Hobart Township Board voted to pull out of a New Chicago town complex project at 122 Huber Blvd. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

Moscow's growing ties with the Houthis, strengthened by its alliance with Iran, reflect its efforts to counter U.S. influence since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, although past Houthi misfires also targeted Russian vessels. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025

Critics warn this could mean a return to Correa’s foreign policies, rekindling alliances with socialist-leaning governments. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for alliance

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

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