Definition of federationnext
as in union
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection the new organization is a federation of existing organizations that were all dedicated to preserving Civil War battlefields

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of federation Marei von Saher, heir to the Dutch dealer Jacques Goudstikker, who owned the piece before the war, has sued unsuccessfully for the paintings before, and has now transferred her rights to the federation. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The stones will be added to memorial rock garden outside the federation. — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Retiring from the national team seemed to be an option after that World Cup disappointment, but Ronaldo said he was urged to continue by the Portuguese soccer federation president – something which now looks incredibly ill-advised. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 The federation’s dissolution and British efforts to institute majority rule caused resentment among the ruling white minority in Southern Rhodesia. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for federation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for federation
Noun
  • Manfred says small-market success is rare, while the union argues the Rays-Brewers World Series matchup shows baseball can work without a cap.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Alaska’s core constituency is composed of Natives, fishermen, rural legislators, and unions, with some chamber-of-commerce types mixed in.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Seneca said the renaming violated the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, which was signed by President George Washington and the Haudenosaunee confederacy promising perpetual peace and friendship.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • July 4 birthed independence but also a dysfunctional confederacy.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The mandate goes to the lawmaker most likely to assemble a coalition.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Young protestors answered with an insurrectionary energy in the summer and soon found support from a broader coalition comprised of opposition parties, social movements and other pillars of Indian civil society.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But neither Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance nor the parties seeking to replace him appear assured of the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Article 5 of the NATO charter contains the alliance's mutual-defense guarantee, which establishes that an attack on one is an attack on all.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The league also issued a statement saying that officials had been in contact with Eagles medical personnel and the Cleveland Clinic in London throughout Hurts’ treatment.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The 12th-year KU coach sees it as a compliment to Nichols and Davis, but knows others will need to step up to compete for the top half of the league.
    — PJ Green October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Major French labor confederation involved in the October mobilizations.
    — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Moore’s Law has survived only on the basis of unprecedented international confederation.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Federation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on federation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster