REVOLT Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'revolt' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revolt are insurrection , mutiny , rebellion , revolution , and uprising . While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mutiny' instead of 'revolt'?

The meanings of mutiny and revolt largely overlap; however, mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority. // a mutiny led by the ship's cook

Q: When could 'rebellion' be used to replace 'revolt'?

While in some cases nearly identical to revolt , rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful. // open rebellion against the officers

Q: When can 'revolution' be used instead of 'revolt'?

Although the words revolution and revolt have much in common, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government). // a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

Q: When might 'uprising' be a better fit than 'revolt'?

The synonyms uprising and revolt are sometimes interchangeable, but uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion. // quickly put down the uprising

revolt 1 of 2

noun

Definition of revolt next

as in insurrection

open fighting against authority (as one's own government) soon the revolt had spread to every corner of the country

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revolt

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈvōlt

as in to disgust

to cause to feel disgust the jury appeared to be revolted by the grisly details of the murder

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as in to rebel

to rise up against established authority the students practically revolted when the school cancelled the championship football game

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How does the noun revolt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revolt are insurrection, mutiny, rebellion, revolution, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," 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

When is it sensible to use mutiny instead of revolt?

The meanings of mutiny and revolt largely overlap; however, 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 revolt?

While in some cases nearly identical to revolt, rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

When can revolution be used instead of revolt?

Although the words revolution and revolt have much in common, revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When might uprising be a better fit than revolt?

The synonyms uprising and revolt are sometimes interchangeable, but uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion.

quickly put down the uprising

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 revolt

Noun

It was used in the Grito de Lares, the first short revolt against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico in the 19th century. —

Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 In June 2011, the ICC issued arrest warrants for both Saif al-Islam Gadhafi and his father for crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the revolt. —

Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

Verb

The fans had never revolted loudly. —

Michael Walker, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 When asked why the bond market has not yet revolted against this debt accumulation, Dalio described a paralysis in Washington. —

Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for revolt

Noun

Americans have been skeptical of brown-skinned people since the days of the Alamo, always fearful Latinos are one step away from insurrection and thus must always be subjugated.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
He is now engaged in an ongoing insurrection by violating the Constitution, exceeding his lawful authorities, usurping Congress, and encouraging Republican states to manipulate voting districts and procedures.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

Definition of insurrection

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“Revolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revolt. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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