as in rebellion
refusal to obey
was fired for chronic insubordination
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Recent Examples of insubordination
Chief deputy James Saulter was terminated for insubordination after failing to show up for an internal affairs interview, King wrote in a letter obtained by the Star-Telegram.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
The supervisor wanted to impose a three-day suspension for insubordination.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Cherry Creek also struck a deal earlier this month for Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole to retire this summer after being placed on administrative leave for alleged insubordination.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
According to Sato’s lawsuit, the chief initiated a complaint against her for insubordination, and she was disciplined with a reprimand.
—Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Nanos reportedly has to answer for earlier disciplinary records that were not disclosed, including allegations of excessive force, insubordination, and a resignation instead of termination in 1982.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026
In local news, President Levy Mwanawasa has sacked his vice president, Nevers Mumba, for insubordination.
—Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026
Two years ago, the Clinton Fire Department Group 4 captain filed written complaints about one of Lutes’ sons, including an allegation of insubordination.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
This inquiry was taken not as a matter of idle curiosity but as an act of insubordination.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
The supervisor wanted to impose a three-day suspension for insubordination.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Cherry Creek also struck a deal earlier this month for Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole to retire this summer after being placed on administrative leave for alleged insubordination.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
According to Sato’s lawsuit, the chief initiated a complaint against her for insubordination, and she was disciplined with a reprimand.
—Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Nanos reportedly has to answer for earlier disciplinary records that were not disclosed, including allegations of excessive force, insubordination, and a resignation instead of termination in 1982.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026
In local news, President Levy Mwanawasa has sacked his vice president, Nevers Mumba, for insubordination.
—Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026
Two years ago, the Clinton Fire Department Group 4 captain filed written complaints about one of Lutes’ sons, including an allegation of insubordination.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
This inquiry was taken not as a matter of idle curiosity but as an act of insubordination.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubordination
Noun
-
The rebellion stems from Labor’s heavy losses in local elections last week and widespread party frustration over Starmer’s leadership, stagnant economic growth and failure to deliver on campaign promises.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
On the internet, masculinism is presented as a rebellion—a transgressive middle finger to the liberal establishment, expressed in all the words a corporate HR department would order you not to say.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The battle wasn't really over, though, as Jamie was shot and killed in a final act of defiance from the British.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
-
Rather than performing as defiance against repression, Vahdat sees singing as an act of strength, resilience and self-protection.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The pseudo-goth hair and costume choices speak to an inner rebelliousness that isn’t so much unleashed as forced loose by a system that values the appearance of a mythical impartiality over her humanity, leaving her with little recourse but to step outside the confines of the law.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The natural obstinacy and rebelliousness of Israa’s teenage years are hyperaccelerated by culture clashes with both her family and the other kids around her.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
He was also booked on fresh charges of felony vandalism, battery against a former dating partner and willful disobedience of a court order.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
-
On Wednesday, dissident artists Pussy Riot stormed the Russian pavilion while waving Ukrainian flags and calling for disobedience.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.—
Brad Shoup,
Pitchfork,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The disrespect will only add to the motivation for the defending Division 1 champions.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
Let’s be honest here, and no disrespect to venerable family board games, but Monopoly is kind of boring.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insubordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insubordination. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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