coalition
12 synonyms for coalition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A temporary alliance of groups or parties formed for a shared goal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use coalition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
form a coalition
coalition government
a coalition of
Etymology
From Medieval Latin coalitio, related to Latin coalitus, "grown together" — the same root as coalesce.
Full origin of coalition →Frequently asked questions
What does “coalition” mean?
The word “coalition” means a temporary alliance of groups or parties formed for a shared goal. In plain terms, a group formed by joining forces, usually political parties or organizations working toward a common aim.
How do you pronounce “coalition”?
“Coalition” is pronounced koh-uh-LIHSH-uhn (/koʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “coalition” in a sentence?
Here is “coalition” used in a sentence: “The two parties formed a coalition to form a government.”
What part of speech is “coalition”?
“Coalition” is a noun.
Where does the word “coalition” come from?
The word “coalition” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin coalitio, related to Latin coalitus, "grown together" — the same root as coalesce.
Is “coalition” a common word?
“Coalition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a 'coalition' and an 'alliance'?
Both involve groups working together, but a coalition is usually temporary and formed around a specific shared goal. An alliance often suggests a longer-term or more formal bond, so a coalition can dissolve once its immediate purpose is achieved.
What is a 'coalition government'?
A coalition government is formed when no single party wins enough seats to govern alone, so two or more parties join forces to hold a majority. This is a direct application of coalition as a temporary alliance of parties formed for a shared goal, in this case running the country.
What is the difference between a coalition and a merger?
A merger combines separate groups or companies into a single permanent entity. A coalition keeps its members distinct and is a temporary alliance for a shared aim, so the partners remain independent and can go their separate ways afterwards.
