1. plural of confederation; unions of states, groups, or organizations that join together for a common purpose while retaining some independence
Usage: typically used in political or organizational contexts; often refers to historical or formal alliances
2. the act or process of confederating; the joining together of separate entities into a confederation
Usage: less common usage; refers to the action rather than the result

Examples

• The Swiss Confederation is one of the world's oldest confederations, formed by independent cantons.
• Several labor confederations merged to increase their bargaining power.
• The confederations of Native American tribes worked together to negotiate treaties.
• European confederations have grown stronger through economic cooperation.
• The sports confederations established new rules for international competitions.
• Historical confederations often struggled to balance central authority with local autonomy.