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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of civil disobedience
Lewis was among those protesting at Woolworth’s in 1960 and received his first arrest for civil disobedience after being assaulted by customers.
—
Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024
Presidential inaugurations have always been targets for nefarious activities, most often tied to groups with opposing political positions who plan acts of civil disobedience.
—Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
The nonviolent civil disobedience tactics were diverse, the protests were strategically sequenced, every class and every geographic part of the country was mobilized.
—Mariam Memarsadeghi, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
His films have often explored themes of power, submission, and the dynamics of oppression and civil disobedience.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civil disobedience 
Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024
Presidential inaugurations have always been targets for nefarious activities, most often tied to groups with opposing political positions who plan acts of civil disobedience.
—Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
The nonviolent civil disobedience tactics were diverse, the protests were strategically sequenced, every class and every geographic part of the country was mobilized.
—Mariam Memarsadeghi, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
His films have often explored themes of power, submission, and the dynamics of oppression and civil disobedience.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civil disobedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil disobedience
Noun
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By the finale, his effort to lead a rebellion against the game's overlords was thwarted, leaving his fate unclear and ending the season on a massive cliffhanger.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
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But Gi-hun had no idea that Player 001 was actually the Front Man in disguise, who secretly sabotaged the rebellion and killed many of the players — including Gi-hun's BFF Jung-bae, a.k.a.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
EW.com,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trump might even inadvertently save the Canadian liberals, who are on the precipice of getting blown out of the water in the upcoming federal election, by rallying Canadians around the flag in defiance of their unruly downstairs neighbors.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
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But over the last decade, the category has developed into a respectable safe haven for high-quality wines that exist in defiance of regional standards or regulations.—
Anna Lee C. Iijima,
Bon Appétit,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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In addition, state-level politicians, including attorneys general and governors, have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to challenge federal overreach through litigation and noncooperation.—
Victor Menaldo,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near civil disobedience
Cite this Entry
“Civil disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil%20disobedience. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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