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View synonyms for ally

ally

1

[uh-lahy, al-ahy, uh-lahy]

verb (used with object)

allied, allying 
  1. to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually followed by with orto ).

    Russia allied itself to France.

    Synonyms: wed, wed, combine, join, join, unify
  2. to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.



verb (used without object)

allied, allying 
  1. to enter into an alliance; join; unite.

noun

plural

allies 
  1. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose.

    Canada and the United States were allies in World War II.

    Synonyms: confederate, partner
    Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy
  2. Biology. a plant, animal, or other organism bearing an evolutionary relationship to another, often as a member of the same family.

    The squash is an ally of the watermelon.

  3. a person who associates or cooperates with another; supporter.

    Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy
  4. a person who advocates for or supports a marginalized or politicized group but is not a member of the group: As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

    Straight allies speak up for the LGBTQ community.

    As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

-ally

2
  1. an adverbial suffix attached to certain adjectives with stems in -ic that have no forms ending in -ical: terrifically.

ally

verb

  1. to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage

  2. (tr; usually passive) to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a country, person, or group allied with another

  2. a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • alliable adjective
  • preally verb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ally1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English alien, from Anglo-French alal(l)ierier, aillaier, Old French alier, from Latin alligāre “to bind to”; alloy

Origin of ally2

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ally1

C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin alligāre to bind to, from ligāre to bind
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The move has sparked concern among Ukraine's Western allies.

From BBC

An MoD spokesperson told BBC Verify: "It is standard practice to routinely authorise requests for limited numbers of allies and partners to access the UK's air bases."

From BBC

Allies who rallied around after the 7 October Hamas attacks have lost patience with Israel's conduct in Gaza.

From BBC

The book also does a phenomenal job of surfacing all of the band’s collaborators, helpers and allies.

From Salon

“Hi, and welcome. My name is Xaia, and I’m your mental health ally,” it says.

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Related Words

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When To Use

What else does ally mean?

An ally is someone that aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people.A straight ally, more specifically, is an individual outside of the LGBTQ community that supports their fight for equality and rights.

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