revolution

noun

ˌre-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce revolution (audio)
Definition of revolutionnext
1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point revved the engine to 3000 revolutions per minute

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the revolution by which the American colonies gained their independence from Great Britain necessitated going up against the world's most powerful army

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun revolution differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revolution are insurrection, mutiny, rebellion, revolt, and uprising. While all these words mean "an outbreak against authority," revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government).

a political revolution that toppled the monarchy

When is mutiny a more appropriate choice than revolution?

Although the words mutiny and revolution have much in common, mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority.

a mutiny led by the ship's cook

When would rebellion be a good substitute for revolution?

The meanings of rebellion and revolution largely overlap; however, rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful.

open rebellion against the officers

How are the words revolt and insurrection related as synonyms of revolution?

Both 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 could uprising be used to replace revolution?

The words uprising and revolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 revolution Alongside contemporaries like the Macintosh and Acorn desktop computers, the Amiga helped usher the digital era into homes and played a major role in the PC revolution. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 July 2025 Most scoffed at the notion that young people are rejecting capitalism on a large scale, or planning any kind of a revolution. —Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 23 July 2025 The two agencies were both founded after the revolution, specifically to tackle corruption among Ukraine’s top political echelon. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 But in the midst of this automation revolution, a new opportunity emerges. —The Hill, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for revolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revolution
  1. rotation
  2. revolt
  3. curve
  4. uprising
  5. spin
  6. insurrection
  7. rebellion
  8. mutiny
Noun
  • Both are now in the rotation at low Single-A Lake Elsinore.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • So my challenge to him was, well break into the rotation and make that Hall of Fame coach earn your trust.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Definition of rotation
Noun
  • Wells’s revolt against White led to the making of one of New York’s greatest houses.
    — Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • Trump faces a revolt from his MAGA base as the Jeffrey Epstein files dominated a conservative conference in Tampa this weekend.
    — Jana Kasperkevic, NBC news, 14 July 2025
Definition of revolt
Noun
  • These elements are reflected in the use of subtle curves mimicking the form of the waves; a material palette of light plasters, soothing beige tones, and warm metals; and a contemporary and modern design approach aligned with Dubai’s future.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 July 2025
  • Sinker was great; changeup was good; slider, curve, everything was working.
    — Cameron Priester, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Intifada is an Arabic word for uprising, and in a Palestinian context usually refers to two periods of violence between Israeli authorities and Palestinian militant groups and demonstrators.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • The interim government has banned the Awami League party and amended relevant laws to allow the trial of the former ruling party for its role during the uprising.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Definition of uprising
Noun
  • Musically, Benante proved the lynchpin while Wylde deftly applied his own spin to Dimebag’s iconic licks.
    — Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • On other plays, Trent Williams pitted himself against Nick Bosa, and a Bosa spin move to the outside was quickly countered by Purdy throwing over the top to a running back.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 24 July 2025
Definition of spin
Noun
  • Since then, he has been emboldened to speak his mind, coming out against Ed Martin for the top federal prosecutor gig in Washington because of his support and defense of the rioters who sent Tillis and colleagues fleeing during the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 30 June 2025
  • In its more than four decades in power, the Islamic Republic has faced its share of popular insurrections.
    — ERIC EDELMAN, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
Definition of insurrection
Noun
  • Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans, by contrast, advanced a more limited vision of federal governance, including a revenue system that relied heavily on tariffs and not at all on internal taxes (like the controversial excise on whiskey that sparked the eponymous rebellion).
    — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • To be clear, not all teens are taking part in some sort of mass rebellion by staring us down.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 17 July 2025
Definition of rebellion
Noun
  • The voyage is exhausting beyond expectations, with hunger and mutiny pushing the crew to their limits.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • Along the way, the exhausting voyage involved various mutinies and crew deaths, and upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, Magellan’s mind and ambitions changed.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
Definition of mutiny

Browse Nearby Words

revolts (against)
revolution
revolutionaries
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revolution. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on revolution

Nglish: Translation of revolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about revolution

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