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

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
Egypt’s tourism has started to recover after years of years of political turmoil and violence following the 2011 uprising, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. ABC News, 4 July 2026 Frustration with those projects, along with deeper issues of corruption and opaque governance, has sparked the largest popular uprising in Albania since the fall of communism. Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 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
  • That contrast can give takeovers the appearance of a spontaneous revolt, one that illuminates the extreme economic disparities of our era.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • The cross itself was erected to commemorate the death of 21 Franciscan friars during a revolt against colonial occupation.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • But the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • But interest in the nascent field is rising as companies notch up milestones, such as enabling people with degenerative conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to type or play video games using brain signals.
    Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The stock market has rallied to all-time highs this year, climbing a wall of worry that included an energy shock from an ongoing war with Iran.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Not long ago, a group of anthropologists were climbing the Inca Trail, the legendary hike through the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains that concludes at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.
    JD Shadel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • The pair took a big swing in 2022 around the first anniversary of the Capitol insurrection on January 6.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • The violence, described as a failed insurrection by President Cyril Ramaphosa, vandalized more than 160 shopping malls, led to tens of thousands of job losses, and cost the economy roughly $3 billion.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In demonstrations, the floating companion performs everyday tasks such as waking users, delivering reminders, keeping someone company while studying, dancing alongside its owner, and providing playful entertainment.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Starry summer nights and crisp fall evenings beg for campfire chats and waking beneath a canopy of leaves.
    Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Along with the ascending scope of the previous two struggles, this third struggle would be for a wider freedom, not simply for the people of one nation, but for all people for all time.
    Rob Nofsinger, Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2026
  • The cause of death was an undetected ascending aortic aneurysm.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Mali has previously faced insurgencies by militants affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as a separatist rebellion in the country’s north.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Shakespeare’s description now appears more significant and also helps explain why the Bard’s production of Richard II in February 1601 coincided with the start of the Earl of Essex’s rebellion.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) started rolling out its 2026 selection this week with the announcement of Siân Heder’s Being Heumann as the opening film and world premieres for Prima Facie and The Assassin(s).
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
  • South Africa is considering rolling out tax cuts to revive its struggling industrial hubs, in line with a World Bank recommendation to help reverse a long-term manufacturing slump and unlock billions in idle corporate cash.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Uprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uprising. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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