Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

insurrection

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of insurrection

open fighting against authority (as oneʼs own government)

  • the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus
Synonyms of insurrection

insurgence, insurgency, mutiny, outbreak, rebellion, revolt, revolution, rising, uprising
Words Related to insurrection

coup, coup dʼétat (or coup dʼetat), overthrow

misprision, sedition, treachery, treason

sabotage, subversion
Near Antonyms of insurrection

counterinsurgency, counterrevolution

Synonym Discussion of insurrection

rebellion, revolution, uprising, revolt, insurrection, mutiny mean an outbreak against authority. rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.
    • open rebellion against the officers
revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).
    • a political revolution that toppled the monarchy
uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.
    • quickly put down the uprising
revolt and insurrection imply an armed uprising that quickly fails or succeeds.
    • a revolt by the Young Turks that surprised party leaders
    • an insurrection of oppressed laborers
mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.
    • a mutiny led by the ship's cook

Learn More about insurrection

  1. Dictionary: Definition of insurrection Spanish Central: Translation of insurrection Nglish: Translation of insurrection for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of insurrection for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insurrection

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up insurrection? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games