Synonyms of revolution

revolution

noun

ˌre-və-ˈlü-shən 

1

as in rotation

a rapid turning about on an axis or central point

revved the engine to 3000 revolutions per minute

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rotation
• curve
• spin
• roll
• wheel
• twirl
• reel
• twist
• spiral
• gyration
• circle
• circulation
• orbit
• curl
• pirouette
• coil
• circuit
• whirl
• ring
• round
• whorl
• swirl
• eddy

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• counterinsurgency
• counterrevolution

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

Recent Examples of revolution

But Tigerman led a small office revolution during this period, spawning a group of young practitioners including Larry Booth, Jim Nagle, Tom Beeby and Stuart Cohen who transformed architectural culture and practice in the city. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Since the revolution, the regime’s economic policy has focused on self-sufficiency while working to gain access to global markets. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026

Moron was also the site of significant protests during anti-government riots on July 11, 2021, the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. —Dave Sherwood, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

How screens took over dashboards The screen revolution started before the rearview camera mandate, with luxury automakers showcasing the latest technologies, but the trend accelerated as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2018 deadline loomed. —Chris Teague, AJC.com, 13 Mar. 2026