Alliance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s/ al·li·ance

Meaning & Definition of Alliance

Alliance (noun)

  1. the state of being allied, the action of allying
  2. a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals
  3. an association to further the common interests of the members; specifically, a confederation of nations by treaty

Alliance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a formal agreement between two or more nations or peoples

    "the smaller countries signed an alliance pledging to protect one another against the belligerent behemoth in their midst"

    similar: accord, compact, convention, covenant, pact, treaty
    related: entente, entente cordiale, bargain, bond, charter, concord, contract, deal, settlement, understanding, projet

  2. an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection

    "an alliance between the French and the Algonquians to check Iroquois advances into their territory"

    similar: axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union
    related: cabal, conspiracy, junto, cartel, syndicate, trust, faction, front, fusion, side, wing, association, group, organization, affiliation, cooperative, partnership, circuit, conference

  3. the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters)

    "in alliance with booksellers, the nation's schools are promoting National Reading Month"

    similar: affiliation, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, linkup, partnership, relation, relationship, tie-up, union
    related: business, dealings, interaction, exchange, interconnection, interrelation, mutualism, reciprocity, symbiosis, incorporation, integration, merger, unification, affinity, attachment, closeness, intimacy, rapport, sympathy, kinship, oneness, solidarity, togetherness, unity, colleagueship, companionship, company, fellowship, bed, cahoots, league
    opposite: disaffiliation, dissociation
    near: breakup, dissolution, disunion, division, parting, separation, severance, split, alienation, divorce, estrangement

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Alliance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Alliance:

accord, compact, convention, covenant, pact, treaty, axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union, affiliation, association, collaboration, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, linkup, partnership, relation, relationship, tie-up

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Alliance

Words with the opposite meaning of Alliance:

disaffiliation, dissociation

Related Words for Alliance

entente, entente cordiale, bargain, bond, charter, concord, contract, deal, settlement, understanding, projet, cabal, conspiracy, junto, cartel, syndicate, trust, faction, front, fusion, side, wing, group, organization, cooperative, circuit, conference, business, dealings, interaction

Near Antonyms of Alliance

breakup, dissolution, disunion, division, parting, separation, severance, split, alienation, divorce, estrangement

Origin & Etymology of Alliance

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions about Alliance

What does "Alliance" mean?

"Alliance" means the state of being allied, the action of allying. As a noun, it is defined as: the state of being allied, the action of allying. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Alliance"?

Other words for "Alliance" include accord, compact, convention, covenant, pact, treaty, axis and bloc. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Alliance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Alliance"?

There are 86 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Alliance". Common alternatives include accord, compact, convention, covenant, pact, treaty, axis, bloc, block and coalition.

What is the opposite of "Alliance"?

Antonyms of "Alliance" include disaffiliation and dissociation. Near antonyms include breakup, dissolution, disunion and division.

How do you use "Alliance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Alliance" in a sentence: "the smaller countries signed an alliance pledging to protect one another against the belligerent behemoth in their midst"; "an alliance between the French and the Algonquians to check Iroquois advances into their territory"; "in alliance with booksellers, the nation's schools are promoting National Reading Month".

Is "Alliance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Alliance" is a noun.

Is "Alliance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Alliance" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Alliance"?

"Alliance" is pronounced /ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as al·li·ance.