1. people who join together for a common purpose, especially in secret or illegal activities
2. supporters of the Confederate States during the American Civil War
Usage: historical

1. joins with others in an alliance or conspiracy

Examples

• The thieves and their confederates planned the bank robbery carefully.
• Police arrested the main suspect and two confederates.
• The Confederates fought against Union forces in the Civil War.
• Many Southern states joined the Confederates in 1861.
• He confederates with local businesses to promote tourism.
• The rebels confederated against the government.
• She refused to confederate with the corrupt officials.