alliance
noun (countable)
UK/əˈlaɪəns/US/əˈlaɪəns/
a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations
Example Sentences
The two countries formed a strategic alliance to enhance their military capabilities and promote regional stability.
Members of the environmental alliance collaborated on projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
She joined an alliance of like-minded professionals to advocate for better workplace policies and employee rights.
The business alliance between the tech startups led to innovative solutions that transformed the industry landscape.
Despite their differences, the alliance between the two political parties was crucial in passing the new legislation, requiring extensive negotiations and compromises to achieve a common goal.
The international alliance worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid to regions affected by natural disasters, coordinating resources and volunteers from multiple countries to ensure effective relief efforts.
Their alliance proved to be mutually beneficial, as both organizations leveraged their strengths to achieve greater impact in their respective fields.
The artist's alliance with the local community enabled the creation of public murals that celebrated cultural diversity and fostered a sense of unity among residents.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A union or partnership formed for mutual benefit or shared objectives.Use “alliance” to describe a relationship or agreement between individuals, groups, or countries aimed at achieving a shared interest, goal, or outcome. In international relations, alliances can be formal treaties or pacts that pledge mutual defense or economic support (e.g., NATO). In business, alliances are often strategic partnerships that leverage joint resources to enter new markets, share technology, or reduce costs. Politically, alliances unite parties or influential groups to amplify a collective voice and push for common agendas. At a personal level, an alliance can signify a partnership with aligned values or complementary skills, especially if collaboration yields better results. The key is that parties in an alliance share responsibilities and benefits, typically upholding each other’s efforts in return. By referring to or creating an alliance, you highlight a deliberate union that emerges from complementary objectives or the desire to fortify one’s position through cooperation. This sense of synergy sets alliances apart from mere associations, underlining the deeper collaboration and shared objectives among members or participants.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “alliance” include “partnership,” “union,” “coalition,” or “association.” “Partnership” highlights a cooperative relationship typically built on shared investments and reciprocal advantages. “Union” emphasizes a collective bond, whether in labor, politics, or an overarching cause (like a union of states). “Coalition” underscores a temporary or issue-focused coming together—commonly seen in politics, where distinct entities unite for a specific aim before disbanding once it’s achieved. “Association” is broader, conveying a formal or informal group organized around particular interests or goals, though it may not imply as strong a bond or strategic collaboration. Terms like “alliance” or “coalition” also frequently appear in contexts like activism, global governance, or corporate ventures, signifying how distinct groups can work jointly to gain more leverage. Choosing among these synonyms depends on the strength, duration, and formal structure of the relationship you want to convey, be it short-lived, long-term, or condition-based. Each word underscores that these parties form a bond to secure mutual benefits or address shared challenges, but “alliance” often connotes a deeper strategic dimension, implying a united front capable of offering mutual support over extended periods or across complex issues.
Writing
When writing about “alliance,” clarify the nature, purpose, and members involved. For instance, if discussing historical events, describe alliances like those of World War II, explaining how countries joined forces to counterbalance threats. In a business or management context, talk about strategic alliances formed to pool resources, knowledge, or markets—identify how they share risks and rewards to meet common objectives. If you’re drafting a fictional narrative, developing alliances between characters or factions can add tension or synergy—paint how they negotiate terms, handle trust issues, or find common ground despite differences. In academic or policy-oriented texts, specify the formal agreements or structures that define the alliance, referencing treaties, charters, or joint statements. In each setting, show how members align interests, coordinate tactics, or provide mutual support. Details like timelines, specific obligations, or overarching goals illuminate how the alliance is structured and what it hopes to achieve. Writers can also explore potential conflicts or strains within an alliance, illustrating how shifting power dynamics or emerging disagreements test solidarity. By combining conceptual clarity (why form an alliance?) with concrete details (who, how, and for what gain?), your treatment of “alliance” underscores the synergy or strategic positioning that makes the union meaningful.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “alliance” might pop up when you’re joking about teaming up with a friend or colleague for a mutual gain—like forming an alliance to handle chores or pool money for a group purchase. If you’re brainstorming a group project, you might say, “Let’s form an alliance to split the workload,” focusing on a sense of camaraderie and shared advantage. Video games or board games often let players forge alliances to strengthen their positions against common enemies—“We have an alliance until the final round, then we may turn on each other.” While “alliance” can sound formal, using it casually can be playful or strategic, highlighting that you’re combining forces in a lighthearted or ad hoc way. You might also describe personal relationships or office politics—“I formed a mini-alliance with marketing to launch the new product campaign,” underscoring collaborative synergy within the workplace. The tone typically remains friendly and goal-oriented, suggesting an intentional unity that benefits everyone involved. Because “alliance” can imply more gravity than simple teamwork, it often brings a fun or dramatic flair to casual use, letting people sense that some official or purposeful pact is at play—albeit in a more informal context.
Etymology
The term “alliance” stems from the Old French “aliance,” itself derived from “alier,” meaning “to unite, combine, or bind together.” Tracing further back, “alier” aligns with Latin “adligare,” suggesting a sense of binding or tying closely together (akin to “ligare,” meaning “to bind”). Historically, alliances have been pivotal in Europe’s political and military landscape, where monarchies, city-states, or nations sealed alliances through treaties and often matrimonial ties to secure mutual defense or trade benefits. The concept of ‘binding together for common interest or strength’ remains central in modern usage, whether referencing global diplomacy, economic partnerships, or grassroots efforts. Over time, the meaning has broadened to include not just formal treaties among sovereigns but also any collaboration where separate parties work in unison for a shared objective. Today, “alliance” resonates with themes of cooperation, synergy, and strategic unity, tying back to the earliest sense of forging strong, enduring bonds for collective gain.
