confederation

1 an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection the smaller nations were forced to form a confederation out of self-defense Synonyms alliance, axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, federation, league, unionRelated Words cabal, conspiracy, junto; cartel, syndicate, trust; faction, front, fusion, side, wing; association, group, organization; affiliation, cooperative, partnership; circuit, conference

2 the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters) the big-budget movie was produced by the studio in confederation with another in order to lower the risk Synonyms affiliation, alliance, collaboration, association, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, linkup, partnership, relation, relationship, tie-up, unionRelated Words business, dealings, interaction; exchange, interconnection, interrelation, mutualism, reciprocity, symbiosis; incorporation, integration, merger, unification; affinity, attachment, closeness, intimacy, rapport, sympathy; kinship, oneness, solidarity, togetherness, unity; colleagueship, companionship, company, fellowship; bed, cahoots, leagueNear Antonyms breakup, dissolution, disunion; division, parting, separation, severance, split; alienation, divorce, estrangementAntonyms disaffiliation, dissociation