federalist

[ fed-er-uh-list ]

noun

1. an advocate of federalism.
2. (initial capital letter) U.S. History. a member or supporter of the Federalist party.

adjective

1. Also fed·er·al·is·tic []. of federalism or the Federalists.

Federalist

/ ˈfɛdərəlɪst /

noun

1. a supporter or member of the Federalist party

adjective

1. characteristic of the Federalists

Other Words From

• hy·per·fed·er·al·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of federalist¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; federal + -ist

Example Sentences

In America's federalist system, however, there is another institutional check on his power and that's the states.

From Salon

The resulting system is federalist: The national parties set guidelines, and the state parties structure their contests within those boundaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Ford was philosophically right as a fiscal conservative and federalist, but the political message was devastating for Republicans.

From Washington Times

Former UK opposition leader Neil Kinnock told the programme he was a "very polite, calm, highly intelligent man, a problem-solver" and not a "fanatical federalist" as Thatcher tried to portray him.

From BBC

There was a warning in one meeting of UK government ministers, where Mr Drakeford's request was discussed, that regular meetings with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland could be a "potential federalist trojan horse".

From BBC