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.
But victory is far from assured, and the polling numbers – which can be inaccurate – matter less than Israel’s coalition arithmetic. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Young protestors answered with an insurrectionary energy in the summer and soon found support from a broader coalition comprised of opposition parties, social movements and other pillars of Indian civil society. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 With nearly forty parties vying for a hundred and twenty seats in the Knesset, a complicated and fractious process of coalition building will commence after the votes are tallied. — Daniel Brook, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 The Senate hopeful is looking to Obama in shoring up support for the traditionally Democratic demographic and broaden el Sayed’s coalition 10 days out from the midterm elections. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 24 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

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coalitional
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Cite this Entry

“Coalition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coalition. Accessed 27 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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