as in successes
a successful result brought about by hard work
winning that big contract was a real coup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 coups
Despite a wave of military coups and disputed election results in parts of the continent in recent years, economic challenges faced by Africans outweighed concerns over democratic norms and the rule of law.
—
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of countries in West and Central Africa that have seen a surge in coups and delays to the return of democratic rule.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Unlike coups or insurrections, which are swift and explicit, modern democratic backsliding is often incremental.
—Helena Carpio, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
There were also crackdowns and coups and the Bangladesh Liberation War, the India-Pakistan War.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Both Republicans and Democrats throughout history have backed coups in Latin American countries, including Cuba, Chile and Panama.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
National leaders, when killed by foreign adversaries, had usually been dealt with through coups and via proxy militias.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The Venezuelan government has denied these allegations, portraying the agency as essential to defending national sovereignty against coups and foreign intervention.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Zia’s fight against the military dictatorship Bangladesh’s early years of independence, gained in a bloody 1971 war against Pakistan, were marked by assassinations, coups and countercoups as military figures and secular and Islamic leaders jockeyed for power.
—CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of countries in West and Central Africa that have seen a surge in coups and delays to the return of democratic rule.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Unlike coups or insurrections, which are swift and explicit, modern democratic backsliding is often incremental.
—Helena Carpio, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
There were also crackdowns and coups and the Bangladesh Liberation War, the India-Pakistan War.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Both Republicans and Democrats throughout history have backed coups in Latin American countries, including Cuba, Chile and Panama.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
National leaders, when killed by foreign adversaries, had usually been dealt with through coups and via proxy militias.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The Venezuelan government has denied these allegations, portraying the agency as essential to defending national sovereignty against coups and foreign intervention.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Zia’s fight against the military dictatorship Bangladesh’s early years of independence, gained in a bloody 1971 war against Pakistan, were marked by assassinations, coups and countercoups as military figures and secular and Islamic leaders jockeyed for power.
—CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coups
Noun
-
So whatever successes – or failures – South Korea experiences will inform how other countries battle their own crises.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
None were quick successes, but all achieved remarkable outcomes.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 132-pound freshman wrestler has an even-keel disposition which combines with a wherewithal to realize that his early accomplishments have put him well ahead of schedule.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
One of his most significant accomplishments in the role so far has been striking a deal with the Paris Olympic Committee for LVMH to be a main sponsor.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After adding a section to her policy agenda and achievements on her campaign website, users were quick to notice several major flaws.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
-
KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners were double winners at the 16th annual Lumiere Awards, presented Monday at the Beverly Hills Hotel by the Advanced Imaging Society to recognize outstanding creative and technical achievements in visual technologies.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coups. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
