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 President Donald Trump’s sweeping pardon for the approximately 1,500 people convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the Capitol was signed just hours after his return to office. —

Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 Trump also pardoned over 1,500 others, including Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, as well as almost everyone who was convicted over their role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. —

Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Another four officers would die by suicide following the insurrection. —

Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025 The committee spent 18 months investigating Trump and the violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for insurrection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurrection

Noun

Democrats sounded the alarm over the memo, raising questions over its legality while tanking a vote to sanction the International Criminal Court in revolt.

— The Hill Staff, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025
The document appears to be prosecutors' notes prepared for a trial before Roman officials on the eve of the Bar Kokhba revolt—a major Jewish uprising against Roman rule that took place between A.D. 132–136.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025