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

to form or enter into an association that furthers the interests of its members the nations confederated in order to lower international trade barriers Synonyms associate, band (together), club, coalesce, cohere, ally, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, uniteRelated Words cabal, collaborate, gang up, hang together, team (up); incorporate, organize, unionize; affiliate; amalgamate, combine, conglomerate, consolidate, converge, group, join, merge; knot, link, tie, wedNear Antonyms detach, disengage, dissolve, disunite, divorce, part, segregate, separate, sever, split, sunder; alienate, estrange, fall outAntonyms break up, disband