REBELLION Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of rebellion are insurrection , mutiny , revolt , revolution , and uprising . While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful. // open rebellion against the officers

Q: Where would 'mutiny' be a reasonable alternative to 'rebellion'?

The words mutiny and rebellion can be used in similar contexts, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority. // a mutiny led by the ship's cook

Q: How do 'revolt' and 'insurrection' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rebellion'?

Both 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: When might 'revolution' be a better fit than 'rebellion'?

The words revolution and rebellion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government). // a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

Q: In what contexts can 'uprising' take the place of 'rebellion'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebellion , uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion. // quickly put down the uprising

rebellion

noun

ri-ˈbel-yən

Definition of rebellion next

as in revolt

open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the rebellion would have failed if not for the aid sent by other countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in defiance

refusal to obey the period of rebellion that teenagers typically go through

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rebellion differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rebellion are insurrection, mutiny, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

Where would mutiny be a reasonable alternative to rebellion?

The words mutiny and rebellion can be used in similar contexts, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

How do revolt and insurrection relate to one another, in the sense of rebellion?

Both 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

When might revolution be a better fit than rebellion?

The words revolution and rebellion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

In what contexts can uprising take the place of rebellion?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebellion, 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 rebellion One of the words used in the spray painting Monday, intifada, is an Arabic word that refers to rebellion or a shaking off that is often used by Palestinians to describe their resistance against Israel. —

Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 7 Oct. 2024 Soon the ’50s spirit of discipline collided with the next generation’s ethos of rebellion. —

Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024 This decision is hardly a grand, revolutionary act, but cutting out the middleman and giving the show directly to the people (before it’s wiped off the internet for tax reasons) does feel like its own quiet little rebellion. —

Sasha Leigh Henry, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024 At a time of growing youth rebellion, of goths and grunge music, these witches wore their defiance on their bodies, an unapologetic revolt against societal norms. —

Ivana Rihter, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebellion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellion

Noun

Key Background Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, amid an intraparty revolt in the wake of his debate performance—shifting Democrats’ fortunes dramatically.

Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The distribution of income tilted sharply against labor, which arguably helped to spark a populist political revolt.

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024