as in success
a successful result brought about by hard work
winning that big contract was a real coup
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Recent Examples of coup
Ramagem, a former lawmaker, was sentenced in Brazil in September to 16 years in prison for his role in the coup attempt by supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in 2023.
—
ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
As with the first season, this one’s a casting coup with the four leads likely to land Emmy nominations (in particular Spaney and Melton, two of the best young actors working today).
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
What began as a power struggle between the army and the powerful paramilitary force — former allies in a coup that removed a civilian government — has spiraled into a devastating war.
—Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s spy chief, who is accused of having plotted a coup attempt to keep his boss in power.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coup
ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
As with the first season, this one’s a casting coup with the four leads likely to land Emmy nominations (in particular Spaney and Melton, two of the best young actors working today).
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
What began as a power struggle between the army and the powerful paramilitary force — former allies in a coup that removed a civilian government — has spiraled into a devastating war.
—Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s spy chief, who is accused of having plotted a coup attempt to keep his boss in power.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coup
Noun
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Kerr’s success is as rare as his candor.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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The Braves enjoyed a renaissance under Snitker’s leadership, ushering in a line of acclaimed prospects and shrewd acquisitions that created the second-best era of sustained success in Atlanta history.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ashton has also been recognized for several personal athletic accomplishments.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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The accomplishment shocked military planners everywhere.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ultimately, his earlier achievements at Borussia Dortmund, as well as Liverpool, meant there was plenty of goodwill knocking around and no obvious appetite for change, even on the internet.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Appreciate moments of athletic achievement.—
Zach Przystup,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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