coup d'état

variants or coup d'etat
Definition of coup d'étatnext

Example 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 coup d'état The Minister of the Supreme Court of Brazil, Alexandre de Moraes, participates in the plenary session of the Supreme Court (STF) in Brazil on Feb. 20, 2025, after the Attorney General's Office (PGR) indicts the former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, for plotting a coup d'etat in 2023. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 July 2025 General Muhammadu Buhari, dictator of Nigeria, following a successful coup d'etat against Shehu Shagari. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 Viktor learns of a coup d'etat in his country while at New York's JFK Airport, and, after the U.S. refuses to recognize his passport, he is forced to stay at the airport's terminal. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Spain The former king of Spain, Juan Carlos, saw an explosion of popularity in the 1980s after helping to foil a coup d'etat attempt. Justin Klawans, theweek, 27 Feb. 2024 The ceremony came after Nguema seized power in a coup d'etat last week, in the latest usurping of control in African countries. Justin Klawans, The Week, 4 Sep. 2023 Also in attendance at that event was the junta leader who seized power in Guinea a little over a year after Mali's coup d'etat. Krista Larson, ajc, 24 Sep. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coup d'état
Noun
  • In a textbook case of addition by subtraction, one of Iger’s biggest sports coups was entirely accidental.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
  • McDonagh decided to set it in the 1970s, just before the Chilean military coup d'état that overthrew socialist president Salvador Allende.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Trump has stated repeatedly that Cuba is next in his crosshairs, after his ongoing war against Iran and the overthrow in January of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The jury appears to have been persuaded by prosecutors’ argument that the defendants were members of an antifa cell connected to an ideology that calls for the overthrow of the government.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Jacir’s absorbing film takes place during the 1936–39 Arab revolt, which was a response to British rule and the colonial authority’s partnership with newly arriving Jewish refugees from Europe.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Amidst an anti-colonial revolt, and with Jewish refugees fleeing persecution from Europe, all sides converge in a decisive moment for the entire region.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The film presents boosting as an act of insurrection from the street up.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
  • There was also a plan to encourage an insurrection in early 2023.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The regime has been accused of killing thousands of protesters and detaining tens of thousands more during the uprising.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Killing Soleimani would likely further strain the command and control of the Basij, which would be crucial in putting down any uprising against the theocracy.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Yet in the early years of the insurgency there were talks to try and reach a settlement, until both sides accused each other of bad faith.
    Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • During that period, Hezbollah engaged in insurgency warfare, fueled by religious zeal and supported by Iran.
    Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coup d'état.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20d%27%C3%A9tat. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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