federal 1 of 2

Definition of federalnext
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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Federal

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
Overdose deaths have been an ongoing issue at the jail, which has been under a federal Consent Decree since a 2019 class action lawsuit alleged medical and mental health mistreatment. Theresa Clift may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Many of the 56 provisions in the wide-ranging bill are regulatory in nature, such as streamlining environmental impact reviews and reducing the frequency of inspections for homes with tenants receiving federal rental assistance. Alex Schwartz, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 Hamilton was released shortly after her arrest, while Murphy remained in federal custody on Friday. Domingo Ramirez Jr, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 The officer called someone to consult them about his case, likely federal authorities, as is standard in these sorts of traffic stops. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for federal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for federal
Adjective
  • Whatever proponents call these statutes, the national effect is the same.
    Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • If Stankiewicz’s Trojans return to the College World Series for the first time since 2001, the 12-time national champions must do it out of the losers’ bracket.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to points made in the Pennsylvania legal filing, a person employed by a governmental agency in Pennsylvania opted to investigate what Character.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • York County leaders will get to vote soon on whether to set a nine-month moratorium on data centers, the latest governmental group in the Charlotte region to consider such action on the hot-button issue.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 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
  • By utilizing scholarships and the GI Bill to cover tuition, fees, and even supplies, veterans can gain valuable hands-on experience and certifications with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
    Rose Van Alstine, Fortune, 26 May 2026
  • These schools may promise fast training, job placement or help using GI Bill benefits.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Manganese, a battery process tracer, can have neurological effects at chronic doses, the report stated.
    Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Aware has been using tracer particles and its blockchain technology for several years now, applying it to recycled cotton, denim and other materials.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
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
  • Their powerful tail launches the body forward, while the jaws snap shut with terrifying force before the prey has time to react meaningfully.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • Carousel of Progress’ animatronic family — headed by John and Sarah — will remain, including Uncle Orville and Rover, the dog with the ever-wagging tail.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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