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

Our system of federalism commits public schooling primarily to local control, with a healthy dose of deference to the informed judgment of educators.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 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

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