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 that role, Hanke developed a framework showing that the federation would generate the greatest wealth for its people over time by pumping as much oil as possible. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

As tennis has grown and the four Grand Slams — and their respective national tennis federations — have grown more powerful with it, that favoritism has evolved into something far less wild and far more predictable. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

While scouting for an HBO series, Kipe heard about the Dixie Mafia, a loose federation of criminals who wreaked havoc throughout the Southeast from the 1960s through the 1980s. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 19 Aug. 2026

While sometimes fractious in the past, the Canadian federation of provinces is increasingly united in the face of international uncertainty. — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 18 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