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.

Another important theme of 2025, and one too often overlooked: federalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

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

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Originalists also emphasize the role of federalism as a core constitutional principle.

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2025

One of his proposed solutions is federalism - he is offering to hold a referendum on devolving more power to Cameroon's 10 provinces.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

As Jefferson put it so graphically, their larger goal was “to sink federalism into an abyss from which there shall be no resurrection of it.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis