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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as in Confederate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of federal
Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
As the federal government halts plans to address climate change, states, cities, regions, and even neighborhoods are trying to fill the gap by cutting climate pollution and adapting to extreme weather.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz enters the 20th District race with significant advantages, including high name recognition across Broward County and millions of dollars in campaign funds, and decades of experience in both state and federal office.
—Wpec Staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 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
The post-Dobbs era has transformed what was once a consumer privacy nuisance into a legal liability—and existing federal law offers women no meaningful protection.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
As the federal government halts plans to address climate change, states, cities, regions, and even neighborhoods are trying to fill the gap by cutting climate pollution and adapting to extreme weather.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz enters the 20th District race with significant advantages, including high name recognition across Broward County and millions of dollars in campaign funds, and decades of experience in both state and federal office.
—Wpec Staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 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
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The Wildcats scored four of the next five goals on their way to a 16-11 victory and a berth in their fourth straight national championship game.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
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This strategic collaboration aims to redefine how the national team connects with its global fanbase.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Third, communicate better with state agencies and local governmental authorities (cities, school districts, counties) and with their in-house and, where applicable, outside legal counsel.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
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Magyar has vowed to conduct a major overhaul of much of the governmental structure, and there are now separate ministries for health, environmental protection and education that did not exist under Orbán.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Now the G-men head down there to collar Massachusetts cops — sheriffs and crooked state troopers.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
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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
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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
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You’re automatically dubbed a narc, a kiss-ass, a too-cool.—
Brandi California,
SPIN,
1 July 2024
Noun
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Side effects including nausea, GI issues and potential muscle loss without adequate protein are real considerations for anyone discussing these drugs with a doctor.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
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Side effects including nausea, GI issues and potential muscle loss without adequate protein intake are real considerations.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Manganese, a battery process tracer, can have neurological effects at chronic doses, the report stated.—
Arcelia Martin,
San Antonio Express-News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Aware has been using tracer particles and its blockchain technology for several years now, applying it to recycled cotton, denim and other materials.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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These gentle giants used the surface area of their long necks and tails to shed heat and regulate their body temperature.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
14 May 2026
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Various engineers seeking superior grip performance have employed biomimicry in their designs, which have been inspired by seed pods, elephant trunks, lobster tails (in fact, using actual lobster tails), and, of course, octopus limbs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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