alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
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.
But that alliance is fraying at the seams after Kiir fired Machar loyalists as part of a Cabinet reshuffle this year. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025 But Trump, a notorious skeptic of the U.S.-led transatlantic alliance, would not have to pull out of NATO to break it up. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 The alliance is hosted by the American Geophysical Union, the world's largest association of Earth and space scientists. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 The day’s events marked a pivotal moment in the organization’s trajectory, with a strategic alliance aiming to enhance Spain’s attractiveness for film and television productions while fostering stronger collaborations between the public and private sectors. Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on alliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!