confederation

noun

kən-ˌfe-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce confederation (audio)
Definition of confederationnext
1
as in confederacy
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection the smaller nations were forced to form a confederation out of self-defense

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2
as in association
the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters) the big-budget movie was produced by the studio in confederation with another in order to lower the risk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 confederation The confederation described both appointments as an unprecedented event for the region. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Once reports of the proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup broke last month, three confederations — Asia, Europe, and North America — along with anger from world leaders and dissenting FIFA staff pushed Infantino to back down. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The executive committee of the smallest and least wealthy confederation, Oceania, will meet next Wednesday to discuss their approach. — Reuters, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026 There are enough votes from those three confederations to bring down Infantino, but there is no guarantee that all members of these associations will vote in the same way. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confederation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confederation
  1. confederacy
  2. association
  3. federation
  4. partnership
  5. coalition
  6. collaboration
  7. union
  8. relationship
Noun
  • July 4 birthed independence but also a dysfunctional confederacy.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • The headstone, a memorial to texans who served the confederacy, was erected in 1964, which is to say the state missed the hundred-year anniversary of the battle itself but did remember to put it up in the year that Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
    — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of confederacy
Noun
  • Observers say the case was significant to the city's freedom of association and it has been closely watched amid the city's drastic political changes following massive anti-government protests in 2019.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In 2018, Gallucci was part of a subsequent study that challenged the anecdotal association between consuming energy drinks and studying for longer hours in college.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of association
Noun
  • Another area where the federations ask for oversight is the possible creation of new loopholes.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • And while these residents may have varying opinions on the legislation, the 43 federations, councils and other organizations that make up Jewish California have thrown their support behind it.
    — Sharon Udasin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of federation
Noun
  • The Tommy Hilfiger partnership felt to Kelce like a natural fit.
    — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Under the partnership, ERI will use its nationwide electronics collection and processing network to identify, secure, and pre-process products containing rare earth magnets and other critical materials for recovery by Cyclic Materials.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of partnership
Noun
  • The changes are detailed in a press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led a coalition of 50 states and territories and the District of Columbia that settled with Meta.
    — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • More than symbolic Supporters of the bill — which include a statewide coalition of Jewish community and advocacy organizations — say the distinction is more than symbolic.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of coalition
Noun
  • There’s nothing basic about this evening look from the Elie Saab H&M collaboration.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of collaboration
Noun
  • Amid the confusion, the tenants union met with Lucas to discuss how the city would help displaced residents, resulting in the new agreement.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Joe then tied the mangalsutra around her neck to signify their union.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of union
Noun
  • Before Bret can continue to self-identify as Shakespeare’s most famous hero, he’s questioned by Detectives Donaldson and Fregosi, who wonder if Bret isn’t being honest about the nature of his relationship with Matt.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, successful commercial property management is built around business relationships rather than transaction management.
    — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of relationship

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confederating
confederation
confederations
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Cite this Entry

“Confederation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confederation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on confederation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about confederation

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