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

Some may have felt your intimate needs were not being met or that there’s been a need for revision around trust, vulnerability and alliances. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

SkyTeam updates lounge access rules One of the three major alliances, SkyTeam has updated its lounge access rules for many of its member airlines and airports. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

According to Newsweek reporting, European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have already started laying the groundwork for defenses, should Russian troops set foot on alliance soil. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

Whether making early alliances, or chasing an idol-hunting Mary Zheng, or outrunning Charity Nelms for an advantage, Sai played hard and played fast. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 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