rebellion

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rebellion differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rebellion are insurrection, mutiny, revolt, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

Where would mutiny be a reasonable alternative to rebellion?

The words mutiny and rebellion can be used in similar contexts, but mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

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

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 might revolution be a better fit than rebellion?

The words revolution and rebellion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

In what contexts can uprising take the place of rebellion?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebellion, 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 rebellion But Newsom’s lawyers said that the administration’s definition of a rebellion was far too broad and would allow the federal government to step in any time someone refused an order or disagreed with a policy supported by the president. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025 Polarization, for example, could intensify the armed rebellions against New Delhi that have long been underway, creating opportunities for outside powers to sow chaos within India’s borders. Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 In the years that follow, Bix struggles with substance abuse and with her own role in the rebellion, even as Cassian grows stronger in his. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 June 2025 The light pink Rose Blossoming Set gives me a sense of femininity and calmness while the black Serpent dress gives me a feeling of rebellion and power. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebellion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellion
Noun
  • The revolt by a large number of Labour MPs against benefit cuts imposed by Keir Starmer is an example.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Rumors of connections between Saint Domingue and slave resistance abounded in Virginia after 1793 and shaped how whites understood Gabriel’s revolt in Richmond in 1800.
    Time, Time, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Thousands of people took to the streets, with women burning their headscarves in defiance.
    Sara Monetta, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • The ceremony, held at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, is a black-tie affair, and Chang’s Canadian tuxedo and acceptance speech embodied a general mood of defiance at the annual Oscars of the American restaurant scene.
    Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • All of these acts of insurrection reveal a nation unbowed in the face of violent oppression.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Mass deportations, the politicization of our military and the use of the military as props to create the suggestion of insurrection are classic authoritarian techniques to take over governments.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Also, because Israel is constantly targeting Tehran, which has been the center of previous uprisings, there is no potential for people to mobilize and come out on the streets, Azizi added.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Newark’s mayor cited reports of a possible uprising and escape after disorder broke out at the facility Thursday night and protesters outside the center locked arms and pushed against barricades as vehicles passed through gates.
    Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, the exhausting voyage involved various mutinies and crew deaths, and upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, Magellan’s mind and ambitions changed.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • But the mutiny underscored for Putin that the country’s current business leaders and high-level bureaucrats cannot be relied on at moments of regime crisis.
    ANDREI YAKOVLEV, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Will the Ruska Roma turn on one of its own for disobedience?
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2025
  • Alleging disobedience, among other claimed doctrinal infractions, the OCA excommunicated the Homyks and longtime parish council leader Priscilla Rivera.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite the disrespect, the Packers' head coach is simply focused on winning.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebellion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellion. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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