(in World War I) the powers of the Triple Entente (Great Britain, France, Russia), with the nations allied with them (Belgium, Serbia, Japan, Italy, etc., not including the United States), or, loosely, with all the nations (including the United States) allied or associated with them as opposed to the Central Powers.
the 26 nations that fought against the Axis in World War II and, with subsequent additions, signed the charter of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945.
the member nations of NATO.
(in World War I) the powers of the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) together with the nations allied with them
(in World War II) the countries that fought against the Axis. The main Allied powers were Britain and the Commonwealth countries, the US, the Soviet Union, France, China, and Poland See also Axis
Plural of ally
How does allies compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
In war, allies are friends — specifically, friendly nations — you can trust. Allies are on your side. The main meaning of this word comes from war. Without allies, a country is going to be all alone in a war. Like many other words of war, this term spread beyond the battlefield. A politician trying to pass a law is going to need allies, probably in both political parties. Any time there's a disagreement or conflict, it helps to have allies: if you don't, you're all alone.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Allies are currently bracing for possible cuts to US forces in Europe as the Pentagon conducts a review of its deployments on the continent.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
President Gitanas Nausėda wrote on X: "With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our Nato Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace."
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
After the Second World War ended, the Allies disposed of tons of ammunition by dumping it into the ocean so it could not fall into the wrong hands.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026
We remain committed to NATO’s collective defense and clear-eyed about the need for Allies to increase their capabilities to deter all threats to…
From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026
As the United States continued to apply pressure, South America tilted toward the Allies.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Responding to a question over why he would not officially declare an end to the war, Trump said that some of the Gulf allies could still face Iranian aggression.
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged on Monday to include Nato allies and EU members into any "meaningful discussions about Europe's security architecture".
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and allies face weeks of uncertainty as late ballots are tallied.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2026
The Turkic-speaking allies describe their relationship as "one nation, two states" and, despite the friction, remain closely bound by military and energy ties.
From Barron's ● Nov. 8, 2026
In October 1781, General George Washington and his French allies finally surrounded Yorktown and trapped Cornwallis.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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