alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt How to pronounce alignment (audio)
variants or less commonly alinement
Synonyms of alignment
1
: the act of aligning or state of being aligned
especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other
2
a
: a forming in line
b
: the line thus formed
3
: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile
4
: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another
new alignments within the political party

Examples of alignment in a Sentence

The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements. New alignments have been created within the political party.
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.
Without that alignment, cybersecurity remains something organizations expect the CISO to fix, even when the CISO does not control many of the factors creating the risk. — Jc Gaillard, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Crews had to position the final steel and concrete sections above the central crossbeam, where changing wind conditions added to the challenges of maintaining load stability and alignment. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 The Lone Star State is ground zero for this supposed great political de-alignment. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The illumination, a result of the temple's alignment with the sun, lasts about 20 minutes. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alignment

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alignment was in 1742

Phrases Containing alignment

Rhymes for alignment

See All Rhymes for alignment

Browse Nearby Words

align
alignment
alignment chart
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alignment. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alignment

noun
align·​ment
variants also alinement
ə-ˈlīn-mənt How to pronounce alignment (audio)
1
a
: the act of aligning : the state of being aligned
b
: the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other
2
: an arrangement of groups or forces
a new political alignment

More from Merriam-Webster on alignment

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for alignment

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