confederate
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for confederate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Joined together in an alliance; united for a common purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use confederate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin cōnfoederātus, "bound together by treaty" — from con- ("together") + foederāre ("to establish a league").
Full origin of confederate →Frequently asked questions
What does “confederate” mean?
The word “confederate” means joined together in an alliance; united for a common purpose. In plain terms, allied or joined with others — as an adjective for groups working together, or as a noun for a partner in a plot.
How do you pronounce “confederate”?
“Confederate” is pronounced kuhn-FEH-duh-ruht (/kənˈfɛdəɹət/ in IPA).
How do you use “confederate” in a sentence?
Here is “confederate” used in a sentence: “The confederate tribes shared defense responsibilities.”
What part of speech is “confederate”?
Depending on how it is used, “confederate” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “confederate” come from?
The word “confederate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin cōnfoederātus, "bound together by treaty" — from con- ("together") + foederāre ("to establish a league").
Is “confederate” a common word?
“Confederate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “confederate” have?
“Confederate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: joined together in an alliance; united for a common purpose.
What is the difference between a confederate and an accomplice?
A confederate is an accomplice who helps someone, often in something secretive or illegal, and the two words are closely related. Confederate can carry a slightly more formal or conspiratorial tone, often implying an ongoing alliance rather than a one-time act.
How is confederate used as an adjective?
As an adjective, confederate describes states or groups joined together in an alliance, united for a common purpose, as in "confederate states" or "confederate forces."
Can confederate be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb, confederate means to join together in an alliance or conspiracy, describing the act of forming such a partnership rather than the resulting group or person.