(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
“When the Allies declared World War II over after Japan’s surrender,” Mr. Van de Ven notes, “they did not describe a reality but expressed a hope.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Still, the World War I Allies were hesitant to act.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
To escalate on the ground, analysts believe Saudi Arabia needs help from its allies in Yemen, but the options so far remain slim.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
The BBC spoke to a dozen party operatives, campaign officials, White House allies and others, many of whom spoke on background to offer a candid assessment of Trump's approach to the midterms.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
Roy also benefits from a deep bench of elected allies across the state, including her current boss, California Atty.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
At NATO, Washington's European allies are nervously waiting for the results of a Pentagon review of US forces on the continent that looks set to be unveiled in December.
From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026
Later, during their war for independence from Britain, the separatists relied on militias to fight the British and their Indigenous allies.
From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
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