Triple Alliance

American  

noun

1. the alliance (1882–1915) of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

2. a league (1717) of France, Great Britain, and the Netherlands against Spain.

3. a league (1668) of England, Sweden, and the Netherlands against France.

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Triple Alliance British  

noun

1. the secret alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed in 1882 and lasting until 1914

2. the alliance of France, the Netherlands, and Britain against Spain in 1717

3. the alliance of England, Sweden, and the Netherlands against France in 1668

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Compare meaning

How does triple-alliance compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance

Example Sentences

The Tlaxcaltecas, the Purépechas and many other groups had little affection for the Triple Alliance, just as Madrid didn’t adore Paris simply because they shared a continent.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

Then, in 1428, this Triple Alliance launched a surprise attack on the powerful city-state of Atzcapotzalco and made itself the dominant regional power.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

While they have historically done little to address these unequal relations with their giant neighbour, Paraguay’s politicians still frequently refer to the War of the Triple Alliance to rally nationalist sentiment.

From The Guardian • Feb. 27, 2020

Decades ago Brazil returned some of the archives it took from Paraguay in the war of the Triple Alliance of 1864-70.

From Economist • Mar. 10, 2016

The sacred mission of the Triple Alliance, Tlacaelel proclaimed, was to furnish this vital substance to Huitzilopochtli, who would then use it for the sun, postponing the death of everyone on the planet.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann