as in national
of or relating to a federation or to its central government
A federal system of government distributes power between a country's central and regional governments. The President, Congress, and the Supreme Court are all part of the federal government of the United States.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
2
as in Confederate
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 federal
Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered air carriers to ultimately reduce flights by 10% at 40 high traffic airports across the country because of the federal government shutdown and staffing shortages in air traffic control.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has declined across much of the United States this year, according to new federal data.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
At the end of October, a federal judge ordered the Administration to continue SNAP payments.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federal
Adjective
Today’s array of federal programs covering health care, housing, education, insurance, and retirement savings can provide a strong foundation for lifelong financial stability.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered air carriers to ultimately reduce flights by 10% at 40 high traffic airports across the country because of the federal government shutdown and staffing shortages in air traffic control.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has declined across much of the United States this year, according to new federal data.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
At the end of October, a federal judge ordered the Administration to continue SNAP payments.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for federal
Adjective
-
Formal inquiries began after complaints that personal information shared only in private realms was routinely exposed on the front pages of national newspapers, causing distress and compromising the safety of those targeted.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Benjamin’s touchdown completed an 18-point comeback and gave the Seminoles a 34-31 victory and the program’s third national title.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The legislature voted in 2015 to establish the partnership to give municipal and other non-state public-sector workers another option for health coverage besides the plan offered by their municipality or regional governmental entity.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
-
These guidelines are the foundation for governmental nutritional programs – for example, they are used to determine which foods are covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as well as how school lunches are prepared.—
Cristina Palacios,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Now the G-men head down there to collar Massachusetts cops — sheriffs and crooked state troopers.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Exactly what will happen to DC’s most polarizing building after the G-men move out is still not clear, although President Trump has suggested the FBI will eventually return.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
The team's 33-15 loss gave it a 2-11 record, which is the worst nark in the NFC.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
-
You’re automatically dubbed a narc, a kiss-ass, a too-cool.—
Brandi California,
SPIN,
1 July 2024
Noun
-
In addition to its slower absorption, sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Keep in mind that aloe vera formulations also vary, and some can cause side effects, such as GI upset.—
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The dye, a non-toxic tracer often used in environmental studies, transformed the waters of the Grand Canal into a bright green color.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
25 Nov. 2025
-
Extinction Rebellion said the dye used was a fluorescent, non-toxic tracer commonly employed in environmental studies, such as tracking water flows or monitoring leaks.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Less than a month later, plainclothesmen arrested Nassar at a local tire store, and Munford took him into custody.—
Jason Schmidt,
Glamour,
30 Oct. 2018
-
Hustling bucks and ducking the Third Division boys, those earnest young plainclothesmen assigned to the vice squad who work out of the 17th Precinct on the East Side.—
Gail Sheehy,
Daily Intelligencer,
9 Sep. 2017
Noun
-
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Hofman's photos of the Ross seal — often distinguished by its broad, dark stripes on its body and neck, as well as its large eyes — show the seal facing the camera directly, with its flippers and tail trailing behind it.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share