INSUBORDINATION Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

insubordination

noun

Definition of insubordination

as in rebellion

refusal to obey was fired for chronic insubordination

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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 insubordination Williamson later ran afoul of the SSPX, which expelled him in 2012 for insubordination. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Lugo also had filed insubordination charges against him. — Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 25 June 2026 King fired Saulter from the sheriff’s department in May of this year over accusations of insubordination. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 Among the grounds listed are fraud, embezzlement, theft, misappropriation of district resources, breach of fiduciary duty, neglect of duties, criminal convictions, violations of law, policy violations, dishonesty, insubordination and failure to perform contractual obligations. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole is also leaving the district after he was suspended in February for alleged insubordination. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 When creating their own version of the character, the developers at IOI sought to emphasize that insubordination as a gameplay tool, grounding it in this Bond’s age-specific propensities. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 The supervisor wanted to impose a three-day suspension for insubordination. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 7 May 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubordination

Noun

Kathleen insists that Lukas was likely incinerated, along with all of the other corpses that piled up in the Down Deep during the rebellion.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026
In the film, out September 11, Garfield plays Ploughman, the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.

— Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
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

Definition of rebelliousness

Noun

But many Catholics, including conservative and traditional ones, are opposed to the consecrations, viewing them as an act of severe disobedience to the pope that hurts the church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
But many Catholics not in Econe, including conservative and traditional ones, opposed the consecrations as an act of severe disobedience that hurts the church.

— Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of disobedience

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

Definition of willfulness

Noun

And many of them feel a desire to remove themselves from the military, to not allow themselves to be subjected to this sort of disrespect on a daily basis.

— Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
Most relationships can survive conflict, but chronic disrespect is much harder to overcome.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of disrespect

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insubordinates

insubordination

insubstantial

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“Insubordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insubordination. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of insubordination

noun

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