Crossword Genius

One object of alliance (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unity

'alliance' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'one object' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'unit' ('unit' can be a synonym of 'one').
'object' becomes 'y' (Y is an example**).
'unit'+'y'='UNITY'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for unity that I've seen before include "Accord" , "Completeness (with nothing wanting)" , "State of being joined as a whole" , "Mitford girl" , "A single whole" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Globe and Mail.
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