as in rebellion
refusal to obey laws as a way of forcing the government to do or change something
In an act of civil disobedience, the family sent its tax money to an antiwar organization. A student organization is encouraging civil disobedience as a way to get the university to change its policies.
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Recent Examples of civil disobedience
In a surprising number of cases, organizers defeated polluters through a combination of litigation, civil disobedience and other protests, and by pressuring banks, insurers and big investors.
—
Kevin A. Young, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
This escalated the backlash against the Navy’s presence on the island, prompting massive protests, acts of civil disobedience, and encampments.
—Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
In practice, that means some borrowers working at nonprofits focused on immigration rights, civil disobedience advocacy, climate action, or other causes could find their employment disqualified from PSLF.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
So are acts of peaceful civil disobedience.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civil disobedience
Kevin A. Young, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
This escalated the backlash against the Navy’s presence on the island, prompting massive protests, acts of civil disobedience, and encampments.
—Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
In practice, that means some borrowers working at nonprofits focused on immigration rights, civil disobedience advocacy, climate action, or other causes could find their employment disqualified from PSLF.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
So are acts of peaceful civil disobedience.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civil disobedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil disobedience
Noun
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For the dandy, fashion was a vehicle for both self-expression and a subtle form of rebellion against societal norms.—
Ty Gaskins,
Vogue,
29 Apr. 2025
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The seeds of rebellion continue to be planted, with multiple storylines weaving together in tense standoffs that will keep both imperials and agitators on edge.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The students and faculty who are protesting in peaceful defiance of these senseless and often cruel actions should be commended for their conviction.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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These movements used many different tools at their disposal — lawsuits, mass rallies, strikes, work slowdowns, boycotts and other forms of noncooperation and resistance.—
David Brooks,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2025
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Each campus should follow state law and guidelines regarding noncooperation with ICE and/or other federal entities.—
Isidro Ortiz,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Civil disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil%20disobedience. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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