1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point revved the engine to 3000 revolutions per minute

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2
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the revolution by which the American colonies gained their independence from Great Britain necessitated going up against the world's most powerful army

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun revolution differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revolution are insurrection, mutiny, rebellion, revolt, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When is mutiny a more appropriate choice than revolution?

Although the words mutiny and revolution have much in common, mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When would rebellion be a good substitute for revolution?

The meanings of rebellion and revolution largely overlap; however, rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

How are the words revolt and insurrection related as synonyms of revolution?

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 could uprising be used to replace revolution?

The words uprising and revolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 revolution Another is that many Britons seem more interested in revolution than mere renewal. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Most importantly, he’s proven durable at the NFL level, which might inspire a football revolution. Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 If health was among the last fields to embrace the digital revolution, mental health was even further behind in exploring ways that digital platforms could improve access and quality of care for patients. Alice Park, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 Under Aquarian energy, the stars say the revolution will be tailored. Maya Alzaben, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for revolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revolution
Noun
  • Noir is a quaint coffee shop where white walls are a canvas for paintings by a rotation of local artists.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Jovic’s challenge this season is staying healthy and carving out a consistent role in the Heat’s rotation after beginning last season as a starter, then being completely moved out of the rotation, and ultimately thriving in a sixth man role off the bench during the back half of the season.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What began as a protest against a government social media ban quickly morphed into a broader revolt against corruption and economic stagnation.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The popularity of these names, especially in Galilee, a hotbed of revolt and messianic expectations, stemmed from their revolutionary connotations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The interior design by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini incorporates furniture with strong curves, rugs with shapes that define the spaces in a non-traditional manner.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The mom of three included several coats for heading into the colder months, as well as bodycon dresses so curves can truly be celebrated.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The uprisings moved through the region as the Arab Spring ignited, and tens of millions of frustrated residents went online to coordinate.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Moroccan protesters are using social media platforms like TikTok and Discord—a messaging app popular among gamers and also used during the Nepal uprising—to organize, with the group 'Gen Z 212' and other groups coordinating rallies.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Maybe Sid wants to take a spin on the blue line to help things out?
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • This spin on the holiday tradition is casting some furious debate among parents.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The National Guard can be deployed to assist Americans during natural disasters and in times of insurrection or open revolt.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There is no insurrection in Portland.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The state argued incidents that arose from the ICE facility protests in recent months have been handled by local law enforcement and have not been severe enough to be considered a riot or rebellion.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Her choice challenges the rules of her world and sparks a rebellion that paves the way for a new way of life.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Vance is fresh off a stay in the English countryside, where the staff of popular pub The Bull in Charlbury allegedly threatened a mutiny if they were forced to serve the staunch conservative.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
  • So no red eyes, no space mutinies — just words, structured to be helpful.
    Chris Reed, Oc Register, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Revolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revolution. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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