Synonyms of insurrection

insurrection

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən 

as in revolt

open fighting against authority (as one's own government)

the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus

Synonyms & Similar Words

• revolt
• uprising
• mutiny
• rebellion
• insurgency
• revolution
• insurgence
• outbreak
• coup
• overthrow
• treachery
• rising
• sedition
• treason
• coup d'état
• sabotage
• subversion
• coup d'etat
• misprision

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• counterinsurgency
• counterrevolution

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of insurrection

The charge was incitement of insurrection based on his challenge of the 2020 election results and on his speech on January 6. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

The judge set to preside over the bench trial, Charles R. Breyer, previously granted a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, ruling that the president unlawfully federalized the National Guard and that the protests didn’t amount to an insurrection. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

The charge was incitement of insurrection based on his challenge of the 2020 election results and on his speech on January 6. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

Militia groups have always been relatively splintered, but the insurrection exacerbated the fissures. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025