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.
Meta this week agreed to pay almost $17 billion in a landmark settlement with a coalition of state AGs that had sued the company for misrepresenting the extent of child mental health damage caused by Facebook and Instagram. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 From rural communities to large cities, pushback against the initiatives of Silicon Valley is forming a unique coalition of liberals and conservatives. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 The changes are detailed in a press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led a coalition of 50 states and territories and the District of Columbia that settled with Meta. — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 The choice facing concerned district leaders Tuesday was between empowering a leadership willing to rig its bylaws to keep power, or a coalition willing to tolerate antisemitism to acquire it. — Doug Schneider, New York Daily News, 28 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 1 Sep. 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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