as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun insurrection differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insurrection are mutiny, rebellion, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," 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

In what contexts can mutiny take the place of insurrection?

The synonyms mutiny and insurrection are sometimes interchangeable, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When is it sensible to use rebellion instead of insurrection?

The words rebellion and insurrection can be used in similar contexts, but rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

When can revolution be used instead of insurrection?

While in some cases nearly identical to insurrection, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When is uprising a more appropriate choice than insurrection?

The meanings of uprising and insurrection largely overlap; however, uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

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 insurrection Over the years, the Gamergate playbook would be replicated in conspiracies such as Pizzagate and QAnon, as well as the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 Kinzinger, alongside Cheney, played prominent roles in Congress’ investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 22 Mar. 2025 Yet the movement was deeply involved in a dramatic example of recent political violence: the January 6 insurrection, during which four people died and more than 100 police officers were injured. John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025 One of his first acts as president was to pardon those responsible for the Jan. 6 insurrection. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insurrection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insurrection
Noun
  • This historic protest inaugurated a summer of 300 to 500 barricades across France, establishing the tractor blockade as a symbol of agricultural revolt.
    Made by History, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • However, the worse the prison’s conditions become — as the workers are forced to slave away on secret Death Star parts with no promise of release — the more Kino is pushed to join Cassian and his brewing prisoner revolt.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Arrested repeatedly since the height of the Egyptian uprising in 2011, he was sentenced in 2021 to an additional five years in prison for spreading false news and assaulting a police officer – charges that human rights organizations say were politically motivated.
    Mounira Elsamra, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Rather than the epic battles of good vs. evil that ground the Skywalker saga, Andor's focus is the human cost of rebellion and harsh realities of a prolonged uprising against an authoritarian regime.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It has been used to punish mutinies and desertion in armies, as frontier justice in America's Old West and as a tool of terror and political repression in the former Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Which brings me back to the confusion and the mutiny.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • For the dandy, fashion was a vehicle for both self-expression and a subtle form of rebellion against societal norms.
    Ty Gaskins, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The story finds Plutarch Heavensbee — a future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader — in District 12, for the reaping of tributes.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insurrection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insurrection. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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