Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The Southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861: A historical term for the group of eleven states that declared secession and formed a separate government during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The official name of this government was the Confederate States of America.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Confederate States fought against the Union in the American Civil War.
  • Historians study the economic policies of the Confederate States.
  • The flag of the Confederate States remains a controversial symbol.

Advanced Usage

• "the Confederacy": A common synonym for the Confederate States of America.
  • The capital of the Confederacy was Richmond, Virginia.
• "the Rebel States": An informal, historical term used by those opposing the secession.
  • Union generals aimed to reclaim the Rebel States.

Variants and Related Words

• Confederacy (n): A synonym for the Confederate States of America.
• Confederate (adj): Relating to the Confederate States of America.
  • Confederate soldiers wore gray uniforms.
• Secessionist (adj/n): Relating to or a person who advocated for secession from the Union.

Synonyms

• The Confederacy
• The Southern Confederacy
• The Rebel States (historical, informal)

Related Phrases

• Confederate flag: Refers to the battle flag used by the Confederate army.
• Confederate general: A military leader of the Confederate States Army.

Noun

1. the southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861