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
Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Powell confirmed in an unusual direct video statement Sunday evening that federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation related to his Senate Banking Committee testimony on the renovation of Fed office buildings.
—John Melloy,yun Li, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
He was transported to the Krome immigration detention center outside Miami, then to one in Texas, then back and forth between Krome, a federal prison in Miami, other local county jails and another immigration detention center in north Florida.
—Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Dozens of people have been charged in connection with the investigation, with many being of Somali ancestry, according to federal prosecutors.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for federal
Adjective
One group met at the federal building while the other started at McKeldin Plaza.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for federal
Adjective
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Smart noted that the event was somewhat overshadowed by recent national events.—
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The desire for change is strong, as Republican lawmakers want to maintain Florida’s leading role in the national school choice movement.—
Adjective
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The legislature voted in 2015 to establish the partnership to give municipal and other non-state public-sector workers another option for health coverage besides the plan offered by their municipality or regional governmental entity.—
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These guidelines are the foundation for governmental nutritional programs – for example, they are used to determine which foods are covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as well as how school lunches are prepared.—
Noun
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Now the G-men head down there to collar Massachusetts cops — sheriffs and crooked state troopers.—
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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.—
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.—
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You’re automatically dubbed a narc, a kiss-ass, a too-cool.—
Noun
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In addition to its slower absorption, sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread.—
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Keep in mind that aloe vera formulations also vary, and some can cause side effects, such as GI upset.—
Noun
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The dye, a non-toxic tracer often used in environmental studies, transformed the waters of the Grand Canal into a bright green color.—
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Extinction Rebellion said the dye used was a fluorescent, non-toxic tracer commonly employed in environmental studies, such as tracking water flows or monitoring leaks.—
Noun
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Less than a month later, plainclothesmen arrested Nassar at a local tire store, and Munford took him into custody.—
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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.—
Noun
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Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
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Hofman's photos of the Ross seal — often distinguished by its broad, dark stripes on its body and neck, as well as its large eyes — show the seal facing the camera directly, with its flippers and tail trailing behind it.—
Cite this Entry
“Federal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/federal. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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