as in successes
a successful result brought about by hard work
winning that big contract was a real coup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 coups
The early years of independence were tumultuous and marked by political instability, as Syria underwent several military coups and changes in leadership.
—
Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The series of coups in countries around the Sahel in recent years have stemmed from the instability caused by insurgents.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The military remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having solidified its dominance throughout the country’s history with coups and constitutional amendments.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
The legislation excludes people accused of involvement in military rebellions or coups, as well as those charged with serious crimes such as human-rights violations, intentional homicide, drug trafficking and corruption.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
African countries are battling military coups, disputed elections and protests inspired by hardship worsened by foreign aid cuts.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
There are certain things that totalitarian coups always do.
—Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of countries in West and Central Africa that have seen a surge in coups and delays to the return of democratic rule.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Advertisement In the aftermath of World War II, a race ensued between allies in western Europe and the Soviet Union to assert influence over other countries on the continent amid elections and coups in central Europe.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The series of coups in countries around the Sahel in recent years have stemmed from the instability caused by insurgents.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The military remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having solidified its dominance throughout the country’s history with coups and constitutional amendments.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
The legislation excludes people accused of involvement in military rebellions or coups, as well as those charged with serious crimes such as human-rights violations, intentional homicide, drug trafficking and corruption.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
African countries are battling military coups, disputed elections and protests inspired by hardship worsened by foreign aid cuts.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
There are certain things that totalitarian coups always do.
—Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of countries in West and Central Africa that have seen a surge in coups and delays to the return of democratic rule.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Advertisement In the aftermath of World War II, a race ensued between allies in western Europe and the Soviet Union to assert influence over other countries on the continent amid elections and coups in central Europe.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coups
Noun
-
California’s next governor should build on successes like this.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
-
It was generated with artificial intelligence and shared by accounts associated with the Iranian government as part of an effort to amplify its successes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Cory Allen—a father, author, LGBTQ+ advocate, and a former a secret service agent who protected Michelle Obama for two years—becoming a father wasn't as straight forward as some of his other accomplishments.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
-
As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From Hollywood actors to Olympic athletes and politicians, California’s newest Hall of Fame class runs the gamut in talent and achievements.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate achievements that make people laugh, then think.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coups. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
