insubordination

noun

Definition of insubordinationnext
as in rebellion
refusal to obey was fired for chronic insubordination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 insubordination On the one hand, this shows just how strongly officers accept the principle of civilian control—a posture reinforced precisely because Hegseth has proved willing to punish even unsupported allegations of military insubordination. — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026 To not ask the chancellor's approval or the BOT before spending money that is much needed in football is insubordination. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026 She was swiftly fired, with Trump accusing her of betrayal and insubordination. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 In Fernández’s version, Antíkona’s insubordination inspires a peoples’ rebellion and brings an end to Klion’s rule due to his inability to treat citizens with common decency. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Hubbard says they could be accused of insubordination or unprofessionalism. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The trio accused the US Department of Defense of charging them with insubordination for publicly supporting that editorial independence in covering the agency, which partly funds the publication. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The Defense Department delivered termination notices last week to Stars and Stripes Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer and Middle East reporter Lara Korte, accusing them of insubordination. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Quarantine orders are met with wholesale insubordination, and the government begins to ratchet its way to full martial law. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubordination
  1. rebellion
  2. defiance
  3. disobedience
  4. rebelliousness
  5. disrespect
Noun
  • The pope will celebrate Mass in Cusco’s main square, where in 1781 the Indigenous hero Túpac Amaru II was killed following the most significant rebellion against the Spanish during the colonial era.
    — Luis Andres Henao, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The pope will celebrate Mass in Cuzco’s main square, where in 1781 the Indigenous hero Túpac Amaru II was killed after the most significant rebellion against the Spanish during the colonial era.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of rebellion
Noun
  • His choice of Miller sends an undeniable message of defiance to the incoming Democratic congressional majorities.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Both books are acts of defiance against this type of dehumanization, which makes some of the critical responses disappointing to say the least.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of defiance
Noun
  • But Havel’s vision went beyond private acts of disobedience and noncompliance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • After federal prosecutors and defense attorneys had presented all their evidence Tuesday, Morrow’s attorneys asked Orso to dismiss the three petty charges accusing her of obstruction, disruption and disobedience.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of disobedience
Noun
  • That’s great news for Vanguart’s four cofounders, who established the company in 2018 with a wealth of experience, if not some serious horological rebelliousness.
    — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The stigma helped imprint a stamp of rebelliousness on the brand which lives on today, says Carpenter, even as Burton has become a fixture on resort slopes across the world and within the annals of Olympian history.
    — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of rebelliousness
Noun
  • The only thing that’s clear is their disrespect for Maryland voters and the democratic process.
    — Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026
  • These are not, and no disrespect, cartoon characters or comic books.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of disrespect

Browse Nearby Words

insubordinates
insubordination
insubstantial
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Cite this Entry

“Insubordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insubordination. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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