INSURRECTION Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'insurrection' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insurrection are mutiny , rebellion , revolt , revolution , and uprising . While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," revolt and insurrection imply an armed uprising that quickly fails or succeeds. // a revolt by the Young Turks that surprised party leaders // an insurrection of oppressed laborers

Q: In what contexts can 'mutiny' take the place of 'insurrection'?

The synonyms mutiny and insurrection are sometimes interchangeable, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority. // a mutiny led by the ship's cook

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rebellion' instead of 'insurrection'?

The words rebellion and insurrection can be used in similar contexts, but rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful. // open rebellion against the officers

Q: When can 'revolution' be used instead of 'insurrection'?

While in some cases nearly identical to insurrection , revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government). // a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

Q: When is 'uprising' a more appropriate choice than 'insurrection'?

The meanings of uprising and insurrection largely overlap; however, uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion. // quickly put down the uprising

insurrection

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən

Definition of insurrection next

as in revolt

open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus

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How does the noun insurrection differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insurrection are mutiny, rebellion, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," revolt and insurrection imply an armed uprising that quickly fails or succeeds.

a revolt by the Young Turks that surprised party leaders

an insurrection of oppressed laborers

In what contexts can mutiny take the place of insurrection?

The synonyms mutiny and insurrection are sometimes interchangeable, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When is it sensible to use rebellion instead of insurrection?

The words rebellion and insurrection can be used in similar contexts, but rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

When can revolution be used instead of insurrection?

While in some cases nearly identical to insurrection, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When is uprising a more appropriate choice than insurrection?

The meanings of uprising and insurrection largely overlap; however, uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of insurrection The pardon was met with backlash by several Republican lawmakers, including President-elect Donald Trump, who asked whether those prosecuted for the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection were included. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 Trump criticized the pardon, asking whether those prosecuted for the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection were included. —

Rebecca Morin, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024 In addition to the 900-plus people convicted of federal crimes related to the insurrection attempt, multiple advisers and officials from Trump’s first administration, from 2017-21, were charged on a range of matters and, in some cases, convicted. —

John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 Epps was sentenced earlier to a year of probation for his role in insurrection, after admitting to engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds after storming the Capitol. —

Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insurrection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurrection

Noun

But if there is any kind of revolt from Johnson’s conservative detractors during the Jan. 3 Speaker vote, no Democrats will step in to save him, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned on Wednesday.

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
On the morning of the revolt, a young French soldier ran into a Natchez woman who tipped him off about the impending attack.

Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024