rebellion

noun

re·​bel·​lion ri-ˈbel-yən 

1

: opposition to one in authority or dominance

2

a

: open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government

b

: an instance of such defiance or resistance

Did you know?

Plenty of teenagers rebel against their parents in all kinds of ways. But a rebellion usually involves a group. Armed rebellions are usually put down by a country's armed forces, or at least kept from expanding beyond a small area. The American War of Independence was first viewed by the British as a minor rebellion that would soon run its course, but this particular rebellion led to a full-fledged revolution--that is, the overthrow of a government. Rebellion, armed or otherwise, has often alerted those in power that those they control are very unhappy.

Synonyms

• insurgence
• insurgency
• insurrection
• mutiny
• outbreak
• revolt
• revolution
• rising
• uprising

Choose the Right Synonym for rebellion

rebellion, revolution, uprising, revolt, insurrection, mutiny mean an outbreak against authority.

rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

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

mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

Examples of rebellion in a Sentence

The king's army suppressed the rebellion.

The unfair tax laws sparked a rebellion.

The peasants rose in rebellion.

She's the head of a rebellion against the leaders of the party.

Recent election losses have led to open rebellion among some party members, who are calling for a complete change of leadership.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1994: Russian tanks and troops invaded its largely Muslim territory Chechnya to try to quash the secessionist rebellion after a three-year push for independence that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. —Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024

Kim was arrested by prosecutors early Wednesday on allegations of playing a key role in a rebellion and committing abuse of power. —Kim Tong-Hyung and Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Though the president is generally immune from prosecution while in office, that does not include allegations of rebellion or treason. —Stella Kim, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024

The brutal crackdown extinguished the rebellion and also served as a warning to anyone else who dared challenge his authority. —Greg Myre, NPR, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rebellion

noun

re·​bel·​lion ri-ˈbel-yən 

1

: open opposition to authority

2

: open fighting against authority (as one's government)