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 pair got their wishes granted after receiving a phone call from the federation last Sunday. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 The onus should remain on utilities to pay, said Rex Frazier, the federation’s president. — Sophie Austin, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 But as the Harrisburg federation begins selling off the campus that was intended to secure its future, local rabbis and parents say the federation’s unraveling has meant the loss of a central part of the local Jewish community’s infrastructure. — Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 The onus should remain on utilities to pay, said Rex Frazier, the federation's president. — ABC News, 24 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 2 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about federation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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