A more thorough explanation:

Definition: An ally; especially, a co-conspirator or accomplice.

Examples:

• He was arrested for his role as a confederate in the bank robbery.
• The two countries formed a confederate alliance to strengthen their military power.

These examples illustrate how the term "confederate" can refer to both a partner in a crime or a political ally. In the first example, the confederate is someone who helped plan and carry out a bank robbery. In the second example, the confederate is a country that has formed an alliance with another country for mutual benefit.