mutiny 1 of 2

Definition of mutinynext

mutiny

2 of 2

verb

as in to rebel
to rise up against established authority the party's conservative faction mutinied just before the election

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mutiny differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mutiny are insurrection, rebellion, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When could rebellion be used to replace mutiny?

The synonyms rebellion and mutiny are sometimes interchangeable, but rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

How do revolt and insurrection relate to one another, in the sense of mutiny?

Both 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

When is it sensible to use revolution instead of mutiny?

While the synonyms revolution and mutiny are close in meaning, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When can uprising be used instead of mutiny?

Although the words uprising and mutiny have much in common, uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

How does the noun mutiny differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mutiny are insurrection, rebellion, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When could rebellion be used to replace mutiny?

The synonyms rebellion and mutiny are sometimes interchangeable, but rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

How do revolt and insurrection relate to one another, in the sense of mutiny?

Both 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

When is it sensible to use revolution instead of mutiny?

While the synonyms revolution and mutiny are close in meaning, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When can uprising be used instead of mutiny?

Although the words uprising and mutiny have much in common, 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 mutiny
Noun
Alekseyev, 64, played a prominent role during the mutiny by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the summer of 2023. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026 In 2023, Alekseyev was sent by the Russian military to negotiate with Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private mercenary group, during the Wagner group’s mutiny. Cnn's Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
In June 2023, the group mutinied and marched on Moscow before then leader Yevgeny Prigozhin negotiated a deal with the Kremlin. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, any question that Jod and Captain Silvo (the pirate whose crew mutinied in the series premiere) are one and the same was dismissed, when Brutus and his crew spoke of how Silvo had escaped the brig before facing a trial. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mutiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutiny
Noun
  • But above all – with inflation and gas prices on the rise, and the MAGA base openly in revolt – Trump urgently needs a deal.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
  • During the Arab Spring revolts of the early 2010s, Cairo was routinely racked by blackouts, and Mansour teamed up with an architect friend to experiment with rooftop solar on houses.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans themselves remain divided over how to proceed, with some hard-right lawmakers already rebelling against the shutdown deal.
    Nik Popli, Time, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The citizens of Iran can’t rebel without bridges and electricity.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In 2021, she was profiled by multiple magazines for painting the January 6 insurrection.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Facing insurrection charges, Kimbangu was sentenced to death.
    Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • War could spread beyond Sudan The conflict exploded from a power struggle that emerged following Sudan’s transition to democracy after an uprising forced the military ouster of longtime autocratic President Omar Bashir in April 2019.
    Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The conflict exploded from a power struggle that emerged following Sudan’s transition to democracy after an uprising forced the military ouster of longtime autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Executive produced by Mariska Hargitay, The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony is a lyrical coming-of-age journey as these girls turn their team into a small rebellion.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In Season 2, the two young couples will be tested and separated by forces beyond their control, as every clan chooses a side in the rebellion.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Mutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutiny. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mutiny

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster