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

The federation has been successful in luring top names like Hakimi, 2026 UEFA Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, but not with others like Spanish star Laime Yamal, who chose to represent the country of his birth. — Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 24 June 2026

Instead of washing its hands of the whole, sordid affair, the federation doubled down on Berhalter — whose brother, Jay, was its longtime Chief Commercial Officer and had a say in key hires — and retained him as national coach. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026

Recycling Europe counts more than 80 national federations and companies across 24 European Union and European Free Trade Association countries among its ranks, representing sectors that range from paper and plastics to textiles. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

Both payouts have increased $1 million from the federation’s previous competition. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 June 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