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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Dissimilar Words
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as in Confederate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of federal
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
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
-
Standard white bread is high in carbohydrates, with a glycemic index (GI) of about 90.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2026
-
In addition to its slower absorption, sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
By transforming its platform into a more private service for younger users, Snapchat hopes to preempt further governmental scrutiny and avoid similar purges internationally, reflecting a growing global trend to protect children from harmful online content.—
Paul Monckton,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Waites was born in Atlanta, and her professional experience includes working in the legislative and external affairs division of FEMA in numerous leadership positions across operations, legislative, governmental, and external affairs.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
16 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
-
Zendaya wore an ensemble from one of her favorite brands, Louis Vuitton, stepping out in a bold-shoulder military jacket complete with tails.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
-
The fuselage came to rest across a concrete barrier, while its tail broke off and fell to a lower section of roadway.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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