federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfe-də-ˈrā-shən 

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

• union
• confederacy
• coalition
• alliance
• league
• confederation

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

In listing their roster for the late-August window of World Cup qualifying, Greek’s federation made clear there were no NBA impediments. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

The national federations of Argentina, Mexico and Qatar are among those to express public support for his continued leadership. — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

In 2024, North Bay Village and AFA replaced their agreement with a new one stating that the site would be developed not by the Argentine soccer federation directly, but by Project Football, a Miami firm. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

The death was confirmed by CONMEBOL, the South American football federation, the Argentina National Football Team and in a statement from the family provided to Reuters. — Mark Osborne, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for federation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: a political body formed by uniting smaller bodies

especially : a federal government

2

: the act of creating or becoming a federation