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.
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as in Confederate
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Example Sentences
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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
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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
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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
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In 1788, when the Constitution was ratified, the new US governmental framework famously included a clause in its First Amendment to prevent any laws that infringed on the freedom of the press.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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What Rokita alleges in lawsuit The lawsuit argues that IPS’s policies violate Indiana law, which prohibits governmental bodies from enacting a resolution or policy that restricts employees from communicating or cooperating with federal officials about someone’s citizenship or immigration status.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Now the G-men head down there to collar Massachusetts cops — sheriffs and crooked state troopers.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
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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
-
You’re automatically dubbed a narc, a kiss-ass, a too-cool.—
Brandi California,
SPIN,
1 July 2024
-
The software, which would effectively act like a narc embedded on people’s iPhones, could have unintended consequences, critics said, despite Apple’s assurances that it would be used solely to stop child predators.—
Declan Harty,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2021
Noun
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Before enrolling, use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to evaluate programs and ensure the school is fully accredited and transparent about costs.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
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Take a 2024 review in Systematic Reviews, which looked at the effect of supplementation on GI issues.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) scans, along with a radioactive tracer to measure the production of a chemical called acetylcholine in the participants’ brains at the start and end of the study.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
23 Oct. 2025
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The imaging technique relies on the use of a radioactive tracer and a special camera to make pictures of breast tissue.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Viewers were able to see the hilarious shot of Jinky in the bath quickly cut to a very telling scene of the same dog bounding into a marshland or small lake, tail wagging, body splashing through mud and water in total ecstasy.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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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,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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