What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confederacy
Example
The Confederate States of America was formed by several southern states in the 19th century. [confederacy: noun]
Example
The confederacy of tribes worked together to defend their land from invaders. [confederacy: noun]
Example
The small business owners formed a confederacy to advocate for their rights. [confederacy: noun]
union
Example
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states. [union: noun]
Example
The union went on strike to demand better working conditions. [union: noun]
Example
The team's victory was due to their strong union and teamwork. [union: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Union is more commonly used than confederacy in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and meanings. Confederacy is more specific and has a historical association with the American Civil War.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confederacy and union?
Both confederacy and union can be used in formal contexts, but union is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while confederacy is less commonly used and may be more associated with historical or academic contexts.
