align

align — verb

1. to move things into one even row, or to come into the proper row yourself.

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to move things into one even row, or to come into the proper row yourself.

Example

Nora aligned the photo frame with the window before hammering in the nail.

align + object + with + reference line

On the screen, the four menu buttons aligned neatly under the blue title.

intransitive: things align by themselves

Common collocations
  • align the wheels
  • align the text
  • perfectly align
  • align with the edge
Synonyms
  • line up

    more everyday and often used for simple physical arrangement

  • straighten

    focuses on making something not crooked, not on matching a reference point

  • position

    broader; does not always suggest a straight line

Antonyms
  • misalign

    to leave parts in the wrong line or position

  • skew

    to push something off the correct line or angle

Grammar Patterns

align + noun + with + noun

align with + line or edge

align (intransitive)

Usage Note

Often followed by 'with' plus the line, edge, mark, or object used as the point of reference. Intransitive use is common for rows, buttons, columns, and other things that fall into position by themselves.

Common Mistakes

Align the picture to the window.
Align the picture with the window.
use 'with' for the thing that serves as the reference.

2. to make plans, systems, ideas, or times fit each other well, or to fit in that w

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to make plans, systems, ideas, or times fit each other well, or to fit in that way.

Example

The school aligned its lunch menu with the new health rules.

align + plan or system + with + rule

Our travel dates do not align with Mia's exam week.

align with + schedule

Common collocations
  • align goals with
  • align systems with
  • closely align
  • align with business needs
Synonyms
  • match

    plain everyday word for fitting or corresponding

  • coordinate

    often stresses organizing parts so they work together

  • fit

    broader and less formal; common for needs, plans, and times

Antonyms
  • conflict

    to be inconsistent or pull in a different direction

  • clash

    stresses a strong lack of fit between values, aims, or schedules

Grammar Patterns

align + noun + with + noun

align with + goal, value, or need

be aligned with + noun

Usage Note

Usually followed by 'with'. The subject is often a goal, system, plan, value, or schedule rather than a person choosing a political side. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about fit or consistency, not open support.

Common Mistakes

Our goals align each other.
Our goals align with each other.
when two things match, use 'with each other' or make one thing align with the other.

3. to join the side of a person, group, or cause, or to show support for that side.

3.verbtransitive / intransitiveC1
Definition

to join the side of a person, group, or cause, or to show support for that side.

Example

Several union leaders aligned with the hospital workers during the strike.

align with + group

By autumn, the small party had aligned itself with the president.

reflexive: align itself with

Common collocations
  • align with a party
  • align against
  • politically align
  • align yourself with
Synonyms
  • support

    broader and more direct; not always about formally taking sides

  • side with

    close everyday equivalent for choosing one group over another

  • back

    often used for active public support

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

align with + person, group, or cause

align against + person or group

align yourself with + side or movement

Usage Note

Common with 'with', 'against', or 'behind' in political, social, and public debates. The subject is usually a person, party, country, or group taking a side, not a plan or schedule being made consistent.

Common Mistakes

The senator aligned to the workers.
The senator aligned with the workers.
use 'with' for the side you support.
Phrasal verbs

align yourself with

phrasal verb

To support or agree with a particular group, person, or idea.

Maya decided to align herself with the environmental group.

Why did you align yourself with that political party?

Word family

  • alignment
    nounB2
  • realign
    verbC1
  • misalign
    verbC2
  • aligned
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

'Align' is useful when two things are made to fit the same goal, rule, or direction. It often suggests deliberate adjustment: 'The team aligned the software with customer needs.' 'Match' is broader and more everyday. Two dates can match without anyone changing them. 'Coordinate' stresses organizing different parts so they work together, often in business or planning. 'Correspond' is more formal and is common when facts, figures, or details agree. 'Harmonize' adds the idea of smooth balance and is often used for policies, interests, or design. In short, use 'align' when something is actively brought into the right relationship, not just found to be the same.

align ↗match ↗coordinate ↗correspond ↗harmonize

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • be aligned with

Prepositions

  • align with

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Align came into English from French 'aligner', a verb built from a form meaning 'to' and a word meaning 'line'. The oldest sense was physical: putting things into one line. From that idea, English later developed broader uses for making plans or values fit together, and for taking the same side as a person or group.