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 Four years after insurrection: The quiet certification comes four years after thousands of Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election. —

Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 He has been suspended from presidential duties since he was impeached on Dec. 14 and faces possible insurrection charges. —

Stella Kim, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025 Image South Korean officials moved to detain the president Officials in South Korea abandoned an attempt to take President Yoon Suk Yeol in for questioning over insurrection charges earlier today after a standoff inside the president’s residence that lasted several hours. —

Natasha Frost, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 South Korean presidents do not enjoy immunity from insurrection or treason charges. —

Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insurrection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurrection

Noun

But after nine tumultuous years as Canada’s leader, he was forced to announce his resignation on Monday to avoid a revolt from Liberal Members of Parliament, who are facing certain defeat in an election that must be called by October.

Stephen Maher, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025
What would come next for the militia after this historic trial: ruin, recovery or revolt?

Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025