coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən 

1

a

: the act of coalescing : union

the coalition of water vapor into raindrops

b

: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination

They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.

2

: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

coalitionist

ˌkō-ə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of coalition

• faction
• party
• wing
• side
• bloc
• team

Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition.

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vote on the bill is the latest action by members of Prime Minister Benjamin ⁠Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition to cause concern among Israel’s allies in Europe, who have ​also been critical ⁠of Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

Many in Netanyahu’s far-right coalition seek to annex the West Bank to Israel. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Supporters of the former governor argued Sliwa did not have a chance of winning and only divided the anti-Mamdani coalition, bolstering Mamdani’s chances. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

There is no evidence that the events themselves push a political message, but the coalition sponsoring the tour is composed entirely of conservative groups. —Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition
• deposition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose