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alliance

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /əlˈaɪəns/

US

  • /əˈlaɪəns/

Description

An alliance isn't just about holding hands and singing Kumbaya—though it can be friendly! It's a joining of forces: a formal agreement among people, groups, or even countries to work together for a common goal. Think of superheroes teaming up to defeat a villain, or nations banding together during wartime. Alliances are built on shared interests and the promise of mutual support. Sometimes alliances are obvious—like a military pact—but they can also be more subtle, like two businesses agreeing to share resources. A strong alliance is about trust and commitment; it's knowing you have someone's back.

Examples

  1. 1

    International politics

    The two countries formed an alliance after years of conflict.

  2. 2

    Party politics

    The party's alliance with business leaders upset some of its voters.

    • Pattern

      alliance with + person/group

      a formal partnership with someone

  3. 3

    Business partnership

    Our company entered into a strategic alliance with a local distributor.

    • Phrase

      strategic alliance

      a partnership created for a practical business goal

  4. 4

    Community organizing

    Small community groups built alliances across the city to fight the housing cuts.

  5. 5

    Temporary alliance

    For a while, the rebels were in alliance with the army against a common enemy.

    • Pattern

      in alliance with + person/group

      working together, often for a limited time

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • alliancenoun

Forms

  • alliancespluralnoun