coalition

American  

[koh-uh-lish-uhn] / ˌkoʊ əˈlɪʃ ən /

noun

1. a combination or alliance, especially a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.

   Synonyms:

   league, partnership

2. a union into one body or mass; fusion.

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coalition British  

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp for some temporary and specific reason

   2. ( as modifier )

      a coalition government

2. a fusion or merging into one body or mass

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coalition Cultural  

1. An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal.

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Discover More

In countries with many political parties, none of which can get a majority of the citizens' votes, the only way an effective government can be formed is by a coalition of parties. Such coalitions are often unstable.

Other Word Forms

• coalitional adjective
• coalitioner noun
• coalitionist noun

Etymology

Origin of coalition

1605–15; < Latin coalitiōn- (stem of coalitiō ), equivalent to coalit ( us ), past participle of coalēscere ( co- co- + ali-, past participle stem of alere to nourish + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion; coalesce

Example Sentences

During the Gulf War, a 1990 vote allowed a US-led coalition to intervene in Iraq, while in 2011 a similar vote permitted NATO's intervention in Libya.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The “No Kings” protest in Austin, Texas, drew thousands on a warm late-March afternoon, a broad coalition of Texans who’ve had enough.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The coalition poised to challenge Nigeria's president in next year's election has received a major boost after prominent opposition figure Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso announced that he was joining.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I observed the left parties and protesters in France working toward a broad coalition in civil society that might stem the tide of the far right.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

He seemed aloof from the rest of the group, not an actual member of the coalition, somehow dismissive of it all.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri