federalist

[fed-er-uh-list]

noun

1. an advocate of federalism.

2. (initial capital letter),  a member or supporter of the Federalist party.

adjective

1. Also federalistic of federalism or the Federalists.

Federalist

/ ˈfɛdərəlɪst /

noun

1. a supporter or member of the Federalist party

adjective

1. characteristic of the Federalists

Other Word Forms

• hyperfederalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of federalist¹

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

Example Sentences

American cities have suffered outbreaks of disorder under progressive district attorneys, but fortunately the U.S. federalist system has a partial remedy: Federal prosecutors who can sometimes tackle local crime.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She said she also voted for separation in the first referendum, in 1980, when the federalist camp won with 60 percent support.

Read more on Barron's

I haven’t gotten my copy yet, but as I understand it, they outline a plan for a federalist, democratic republic with guaranteed rights for both Jews and Arabs, somewhat along the lines of pre-breakup Yugoslavia.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times