anti-federalist

noun

an·​ti-fed·​er·​al·​ist
ˌan-tē-ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-list,
ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce anti-federalist (audio)
often capitalized A&F
: a person who opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

Examples of anti-federalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Second Amendment is a confirmation and validation of this nation’s creation through the eyes of anti-federalists determined to carve out guarantees for individual freedoms. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 The rest of Russia’s leverage comes from propaganda and the buying of influence—especially through Moscow’s often-covert support for political movements abroad that undermine Western unity, from anti-federalist parties in Europe all the way to Texan separatists. Mark Galeotti, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anti-federalist was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near anti-federalist

Cite this Entry

“Anti-federalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-federalist. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

anti-federalist

noun
an·​ti-fed·​er·​al·​ist
ˌant-i-ˈfed-(ə-)re-ləst
often capitalized A&F
: a member of the group that opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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