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
If the federal government were to release these grants next week, the delays would still wreak havoc. Lauren Chan, STAT, 19 June 2026 In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday. ABC News, 19 June 2026 Second, the taxpayer has a substantial purpose for entering into the transaction, other than federal income tax effects. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 Under federal immigration law, second‑degree bail jumping is classified as an aggravated felony, a designation that generally bars lawful permanent residents from seeking cancellation of removal and most other forms of relief. Hanna Park, CNN Money, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for federal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for federal
Adjective
  • Ismaël Koné, who appeared to suffer a major leg injury during Canada's 6-0 victory against Qatar earlier tonight, will undergo surgery, according to the national team coach, Jesse Marsch.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • Individually, he was named the Gatorade national player of the year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 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
  • One way researchers estimate how foods affect blood sugar is by using the glycemic index (GI).
    Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 22 June 2026
  • Uco Valley has several geographical designations of origin (GI).
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lance Christensen, vice president of government affairs and education policy at the California Policy Institute, says that the bill’s success is the result of a mix of misaligned governmental priorities and legislative clog.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • Cities are even asked to ensure the FIFA names for the venues are used for all local directional signage from at least 14 days before the opening match, while the usual stadium name is not to be used in governmental communications.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026
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
  • This imaging test uses a tracer that attaches to PSMA proteins, allowing doctors to identify where prostate cancer cells may be located throughout the body.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
  • Manganese, a battery process tracer, can have neurological effects at chronic doses, the report stated.
    Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 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
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Can turkey tail mushrooms shrink lipomas, the soft, fatty lumps that show up under the skin of countless aging dogs?
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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