CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

civil disobedience

noun

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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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 civil disobedience We were fascinated by a broader trend — covered locally by the Chicago Sun-Times and nationally by outlets including CNBC and The New York Times — of people turning the humble 1040 into a form of civil disobedience. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 Since then, photos and videos from the act of civil disobedience have spread widely across social media — amplified by others who share a similar frustration and unease about the country's military action. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026 Generations of Americans spent the first half of the twentieth century sitting at their kitchen tables, performing a small act of civil disobedience every week to save thirty cents on butter. — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Because civil disobedience and peaceful protest are relatively inexpensive and not as risky as violent resistance. — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civil disobedience

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil disobedience

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

Definition of rebellion

Noun

Additionally, occasional rule-breaking and defiance are considered a normal part of child and adolescent development.

— Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
The funeral was also used to project defiance, with thousands of mourners filling Tehran and chanting for revenge.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

In accordance with the county’s noncooperation policy, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the county’s jail, did not honor a 2023 federal detention request to hold Jalloh in pretrial detention until ICE could assume custody.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Boycotts are a form of mass noncooperation that enables more people to resist without taking time off from work, engaging in confrontation or risking arrest.

— David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026

Definition of noncooperation

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civil courts

civil disobedience

civilian

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“Civil disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil%20disobedience. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of civil disobedience

noun

Example Sentences

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