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.
Netanyahu, as others have remarked, likes to build his next coalition ahead of the election rather than after it. — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Obviously, his presence here in Michigan would mean so much to the coalition that helped elect him. — NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 Far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition have been upset by the roadmap. — Dan Williams, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 The Houthis say closing Bab el-Mandeb to Saudi traffic aims to break the coalition’s blockade. — Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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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Nglish: Translation of coalition for Spanish Speakers

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