federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfe-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce federation (audio)
Synonyms of federationnext
1
: an encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or more localized entities: such as
a
: a federal government
b
: a union of organizations
2
: the act of creating or becoming a federation
especially : the forming of a federal union

Synonyms of federation

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Examples of federation in a Sentence

a federation of labor unions a federation of women's clubs the federation of the states
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The additions of Reese and Boston emphasizes the federation’s current youth movement under the tutelage of Bird, who began her Team USA role last year. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Carney’s comments came days after Infantino abandoned the proposal following fierce opposition from the Union of European Football Associations, national soccer federations and senior FIFA advisers. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 The national federations of Serbia, Sweden and Wales on Monday withdrew their support for Infantino and England’s FA is expected to do the ‌same. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The Labor Federation’s endorsement could come with money and manpower, although Gonzalez and the federation’s leadership will have to decide how to allocate those resources among competing congressional and legislative races. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for federation

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of federation was in 1652

Rhymes for federation

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Browse Nearby Words

Federated Malay States
federation
federative
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Cite this Entry

“Federation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

federation

noun
fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce federation (audio)
1
: a political body formed by uniting smaller bodies
especially : a federal government
2
: the act of creating or becoming a federation

More from Merriam-Webster on federation

Nglish: Translation of federation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about federation

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