uprising 1 of 2

Definition of uprisingnext
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the uprising was quickly and brutally suppressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

uprising

2 of 2

verb

present participle of uprise

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun uprising differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uprising are insurrection, mutiny, rebellion, revolt, and revolution. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

When would mutiny be a good substitute for uprising?

The words mutiny and uprising are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 uprising?

The meanings of rebellion and uprising 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 uprising?

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

Where would revolution be a reasonable alternative to uprising?

In some situations, the words revolution and uprising are roughly equivalent. However, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

How does the noun uprising differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uprising are insurrection, mutiny, rebellion, revolt, and revolution. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

When would mutiny be a good substitute for uprising?

The words mutiny and uprising are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 uprising?

The meanings of rebellion and uprising 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 uprising?

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

Where would revolution be a reasonable alternative to uprising?

In some situations, the words revolution and uprising are roughly equivalent. However, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

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 uprising
Noun
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, 14 Apr. 2026 In the aftermath the military leader Hussein Mohammad Ershad took charge, remaining in power until he was ousted by a mass uprising in 1990 coordinated by opposition groups including leaders of the BNP and the AL. Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
But was that uprising really such a good idea? The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uprising
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
  • But there are concerns about rising ticket prices and soaring production budgets, fueled by higher costs for labor, materials and energy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The group announced the new mutual aid market on social media, citing community concerns over rising costs as the motivation behind the move.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As optimism over an extended ceasefire grew, oil prices fell early Friday after climbing a day earlier.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Air New Zealand will soon offer a solution that involves climbing into a triple-tier bunk bed wearing special socks.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 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
Verb
  • Justice Department and White House officials also described instances in which aides or security personnel had difficulty waking him.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The wrong pillow height or sleeping in a posture that strains the cervical spine can cause enough low-level discomfort to fragment sleep without fully waking you.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wallace won the team’s only race at the Brickyard 400, and an organization that seemed to be ascending suddenly appeared to have leveled off a bit.
    Dave Skretta, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In early 1961, nine years after ascending to the throne of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit as monarch to India and Pakistan, among other destinations.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 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
Verb
  • Jackson County Public Health is rolling out a series of vending machines that will contain free health items, like fentanyl test strips, first aid kits, condoms, hand sanitizer, and Naloxone, the life-saving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Illinois is rolling out a sustainability tax credit for films and TV shows, a first in the country.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Uprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uprising. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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