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

Example 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 Amendment’s insurrection ban came down 25 days after the argument. —

Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025 Under Korean law, a sitting president is immune from criminal prosecution on all matters except for leading an insurrection or acts of treason. —

Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 But the political chaos provoked by the Dec. 3 martial law declaration is expected to continue, as Yoon and his ruling party supporters remain defiant against the insurrection charges. —

Se Eun Gong, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is investigating Yoon for abuse of power and inciting insurrection, along with several members of his cabinet. —

Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for insurrection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurrection

Noun

What holds back CEOs and political leaders is the same thing: fear, fear of bad headlines or big revolts.

— Axios, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025
Earlier in the year, the brief hiring and then firing of former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel sparked an on-air revolt from MSNBC talent, including Maddow.

— Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025