noun / proper noun

confederation

kuhn-fed-uh-RAY-shuhn/kənˌfedəˈreɪʃn/

A union of groups, states, or organizations working toward common goals.

The regions form a confederation while retaining their separate borders.

Several small self-governing regions on a stylized map connect to a common meeting circle while retaining distinct borders, no specific countries.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with

+federLatinunite in a league

+ationLatinact or process

The pieces name the act of joining together in a league. The word then came to mean the resulting alliance itself: the states or groups united for a common purpose.

In context

NORTH 0224:07

They were a confederation of five nations. The Mohawk, Onidita, Anadaga, Kauga and Senica all vowed a treaty of peace to form the great league.

The Indigenous People of America - Documentary

More examples

The confederation coordinated their common policy.
The book examines Canadian Confederation.
Several independent groups joined the confederation.

Forms

confederation · confederations

confederate adjective — joined in a union or alliance

Similar words

federation: A federation usually has a stronger central authority; a confederation preserves more independence for its members.
alliance: An alliance cooperates for a purpose; a confederation is a more organized union.