insurrection

noun

in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce insurrection (audio)
: an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government
insurrectional adjective
insurrectionary adjective or noun
insurrectionist noun
Choose the Right Synonym for insurrection

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 insurrection in a Sentence

the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And then after the insurrection, Republicans in Congress came back and still voted not to certify the election. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 Also in April, a West Virginia man, who had attacked federal law enforcement during the insurrection, was indicted on charges of armed robbery and assault after stabbing the owner of a Mexican restaurant. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025 Cleary, a conservative republican, had previously been under investigation for being allegedly present during the 2021 January 6 insurrection. Essence, 23 Sep. 2025 Some members and former members remain divided on Rhodes’ role in orchestrating the Capitol insurrection, and his leadership more broadly. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insurrection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English insureccion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insurrection-, insurrectio, from insurgere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insurrection was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insurrection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurrection. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

insurrection

noun
in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce insurrection (audio)
insurrectionary adjective or noun
insurrectionist noun

Legal Definition

insurrection

noun
in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin-sə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce insurrection (audio)
: the act or an instance of revolting especially violently against civil or political authority or against an established government
also : the crime of inciting or engaging in such revolt
whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States…shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years U.S. Code

More from Merriam-Webster on insurrection

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