federalism

[fed-er-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈfɛd ər əˌlɪz əm /

NOUN

advocacy of a strong central government

Synonyms

STRONG

unionism unitarianism

WEAK

republicanism

Antonyms

STRONGEST

antifederalism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We want federalism for the Syrian coast," she added.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

He often took a constitutionally conservative approach to federalism and the separation of powers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Short of amending the document, or tearing it up altogether, they recognized it was pointless to pretend that federalism didn't exist or to only recognize the idea when it was politically useful.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2025

No, Turner responded, adding: “That understanding is a humble one with respect to the federalism rule of states.”

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2024

Each wheel was to be separate yet united, in accordance with the young nation’s federalism, as well as classically symmetrical, in accordance with Jeffersonian aesthetics.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides