federalist
noun
fed·er·al·ist
ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-list 
1
: an advocate of federalism: such as
a
often Federalist
: an advocate of a federal union between the American colonies after the Revolution and of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
b
often Federalist
: world federalist
2
Federalist
: a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. favoring a strong centralized national government
federalist
adjective
often Federalist
Examples of federalist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Built in 1853 and later expanded, the main five-bedroom Federalist-style home includes crown molding, wood floors, a sunroom, an eat-in country kitchen, and formal dining rooms.
—
The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 Jan. 2026
For decades, the province’s politics were dominated by federalists pushing to remain in Canada and separatists seeking independence.
—Mathieu Dion, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
Federalists resisted demands to make ratification contingent on amendments suggested by state conventions.
—Donald Nieman, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
He was forced into exile in 1830 due to a strife between the federalists and centralists, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
—Brayden Garcia
july 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalist
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The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 Jan. 2026
For decades, the province’s politics were dominated by federalists pushing to remain in Canada and separatists seeking independence.
—Mathieu Dion, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
Federalists resisted demands to make ratification contingent on amendments suggested by state conventions.
—Donald Nieman, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
He was forced into exile in 1830 due to a strife between the federalists and centralists, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
—Brayden Garcia
july 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalist
Cite this Entry
“Federalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalist. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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federalist
noun
fed·er·al·ist
ˈfed-(ə-)rə-ləst
1
: a supporter of federal government
especially, often capitalized
: a supporter of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
2
capitalized
: a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. favoring a strong central national government
federalism
noun
often capitalized
-ˌliz-əm
federalist
adjective
often capitalized
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