coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən How to pronounce coalition (audio)
Synonyms of coalition
1
a
: the act of coalescing : union
the coalition of water vapor into raindrops
b
: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination
They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.
2
: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
A multiparty coalition ruled the country.
coalitionist
ˌkō-ə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce coalition (audio)
noun

Synonyms of coalition

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Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition. A multiparty coalition ruled the country. The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, an Eisenkot coalition would establish a commission of inquiry into the 7 October attacks. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026 Years of political turmoil, corruption and the ascendance of a deadly gang coalition are suffocating Haiti’s capital city. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 The pro-Western opposition parties won big Saturday in the Czech Republic’s vote to fill one-third of the seats in Parliament’s upper house, the Senate, handing a blow to the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Its performance accelerated the slide of the ANC, once led by Nelson Mandela, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid and was forced to form a coalition government. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coalition

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coalition was in 1604

Rhymes for coalition

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Browse Nearby Words

coalite
coalition
coalitional
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Cite this Entry

“Coalition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coalition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coalition

noun
co·​ali·​tion
ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən
: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose
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