adj

confederate

kuhn-FEH-duh-ruht

adj

Joined together in an alliance; united for a common purpose.

"The confederate tribes shared defense responsibilities."

noun

An accomplice who helps someone, often in something secretive or illegal.

"The thief and his confederate split the stolen goods."

"Police believe he had a confederate waiting outside."

verb

To join together in an alliance or conspiracy.

"The smaller states confederated to strengthen their bargaining power."

How to Use Confederate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAllied or joined with others — as an adjective for groups working together, or as a noun for a partner in a plot.

Common pairings

a confederate of the gang confederate states

more confederate comparative, confederated past tense, confederates plural, Confederates plural, confederates singular, most confederate superlative

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The _____ tribes shared defense responsibilities.

From Late Latin cōnfoederātus, "bound together by treaty" — from con- ("together") + foederāre ("to establish a league").

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