Federal (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Being of or having to do with the northern United States and those loyal to the Union during the American Civil War; "Union soldiers"; "Federal forces"; "a Federal infantryman".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The federal army was better equipped and trained than their Confederate counterparts during the American Civil War.
• Federal forces captured the strategic city of Vicksburg in 1863, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River.
• A federal infantryman's life was marked by long marches, grueling battles, and harsh living conditions.
• The federal government imposed a draft to bolster the dwindling Union army in 1863.
• Federal troops played a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the war.

Synonyms

• Union

Related Words

• Federal (noun)

Meaning ²

Of or relating to the central government of a federation; "a federal district is one set aside as the seat of the national government".

Classification

Relational adjectives (pertainyms).

Examples

• The federal government provides funding for a wide range of programs and services across the country.
• Australia's federal politics have been marked by a series of leadership changes in recent years.
• A federal holiday is a public holiday that is recognized by the national government.
• The company is being investigated by federal authorities for alleged tax evasion.
• The federal court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving federal laws and the Constitution.

Related Words

• Federal Government (noun)

Meaning ³

Characterized by or constituting a form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities; "a federal system like that of the United States"; "federal governments often evolved out of confederations".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The United States is a federal republic with a president as head of state and government.
• The federal system of government in Australia is divided into six states and two territories.
• A federal government is a system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• The country transitioned from a unitary to a federal system of government after the civil war.
• The federal structure of the country allows for regional autonomy while maintaining a strong central government.

Antonyms

• Unitary

Meaning ⁴

National; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units; "the Federal Bureau of Investigation"; "federal courts"; "the federal highway program"; "federal property".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States federal government.
• She had the right to appeal to the federal court as she was dissatisfied with the decision.
• This office oversees and sets national education policy through the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid.
• Each candidate competed fiercely in every state during the presidential federal elections to maximize electoral votes.
• During times of recession or other major downturns the government offers some protection by applying specific policies or introducing various types of federal grants and funds to eligible members.