federalize
verb
fed·er·al·ize
ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 
federalized; federalizing
1
: to unite in or under a federal system
2
: to bring under the jurisdiction of a federal government
Examples of federalize in a Sentence
The measure federalizes several state programs.
Recent Examples on the Web
In his latest motion, Newsom argued that sending the Guard to Oregon was part of a broader effort to federalize state militias and keep them under the administration’s control indefinitely, to be used throughout the country like a militarized law enforcement agency.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
State and local officials argue federalizing the troops is an unconstitutional infringement on state power.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The judges in each of those appeals ultimately ruled that the president has the power to federalize the state’s National Guard, but does not have unilateral power to deploy the troops.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
After weeks of fighting between the two, Trump federalized the Illinois National Guard – a highly unusual move — and worked with Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott to send hundreds of his state's Guard to Illinois.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalize
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Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
State and local officials argue federalizing the troops is an unconstitutional infringement on state power.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The judges in each of those appeals ultimately ruled that the president has the power to federalize the state’s National Guard, but does not have unilateral power to deploy the troops.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
After weeks of fighting between the two, Trump federalized the Illinois National Guard – a highly unusual move — and worked with Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott to send hundreds of his state's Guard to Illinois.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalize
Cite this Entry
“Federalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalize. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
federalize
verb
fed·er·al·ize
ˈfed-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz
federalized; federalizing
: to unite in or under a federal system of authority
federalization
noun
ˌfed-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən
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