Synonyms of insurrection

insurrection

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən 

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

• revolt
• uprising
• mutiny
• rebellion
• insurgency
• revolution
• insurgence
• outbreak
• coup
• overthrow
• treachery
• rising
• sedition
• treason
• coup d'état
• sabotage
• subversion
• coup d'etat
• misprision

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• counterinsurgency
• counterrevolution

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of insurrection

His replacement, Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon), stumbled into the January 6 Capitol Hill insurrection and ran into her brother, then covered up evidence of his involvement. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

Also in April, a West Virginia man, who had attacked federal law enforcement during the insurrection, was indicted on charges of armed robbery and assault after stabbing the owner of a Mexican restaurant. —Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025

Cleary, a conservative republican, had previously been under investigation for being allegedly present during the 2021 January 6 insurrection. —Essence, 23 Sep. 2025

Some members and former members remain divided on Rhodes’ role in orchestrating the Capitol insurrection, and his leadership more broadly. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025