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

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as in defiance

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

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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 More than a mere musical group, the Beatles became a symbol of the cultural shifts of the 1960s, representing new possibilities for youth rebellion, creativity and musical experimentation. —

Darryn King, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung told reporters the prosecution plans to investigate rebellion charges against Mr. Yoon following complaints filed by the opposition. —

Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Dec. 2024 The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 generally prohibits the military from enforcing domestic laws without congressional approval, but exceptions can be made during periods of rebellion, invasion, or public safety emergencies. —

Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Part Two will show the price of pushing back against the status quo, as well as the hopes that can spring from rebellion. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebellion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellion

Noun

But if there is any kind of revolt from Johnson’s conservative detractors during the Jan. 3 Speaker vote, no Democrats will step in to save him, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned on Wednesday.

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
On the morning of the revolt, a young French soldier ran into a Natchez woman who tipped him off about the impending attack.

Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024