confederate

1 one associated with another in wrongdoing the police were able to track down his confederates once the thief started talking Synonyms abettor (also abetter), accessory (also accessary), cohort, accompliceRelated Words collaborationist, collaborator, informant, informer; evidence, state's evidence; companion, comrade, crony, henchman, partner; conspirator, plotter, traitor; gangster, mobster, racketeer

2 someone associated with another to give assistance or moral support relied on her confederates in the medical community for support Synonyms abettor (also abetter), backer, bedfellow, ally, fellow traveler, supporter, sympathizerRelated Words empathizer, well-wisher; accessory (also accessary), accomplice, coalitionist, collaborationist, collaborator; adjunct, assistant, coadjutor, helper; associate, cohort, colleague, fellow, partner; buddy, chum, companion, comrade, confidant, crony, familiar, friend, intimate, mate, palNear Antonyms belittler, detractor; adversary, enemy, foe, opponent