rebellion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rebellion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler, or a refusal to accept control or tradition. Example: "The rebellion against the oppressive regime sparked a movement for change across the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a worthy sequel to the previous day, when, as one wit remarked, a party with just one MP had managed a backbench rebellion – as Ukip's solitary presence in Westminster, Douglas Carswell resisted party pressure to take the parliamentary subsidy known as Short money.

The Guardian - Opinion

What elsewhere would be an act of youthful rebellion, was a chance to remember the way things used to be before Ebola came to Guinea.

The Guardian

Senior Tories have said that the prime minister will face a crippling rebellion unless he drops the threat, outlined last October by the former justice secretary Chris Grayling, to withdraw from the European convention on human rights if a series of changes were rejected.

The Guardian

A web of deliberate confusion and propaganda has been spread over the rebellion, and has made thicker with each of the three regional meetings held in the last 10 days: in Victoria Falls, Addis Ababa and Mauritius.

The Guardian

Fifty years later the Irish Republic will commemorate the rebellion with equal national enthusiasm but with most of its population more concerned with the huge debts bestowed upon the current generation than the imperative of the "dead generations" urging it on to take back the north of Ireland and fulfil its historic mission towards unity.

The Guardian

But, in the spirit of rebellion, Shelley still wears high-heels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our fashion choices can be turned into an act of rebellion, creativity or ambition.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a strange form of rebellion, but fag and pastis in hand you can sort of see how it works.

The Guardian

All game times are listed as ET Sat 7.30pm, Gillette Stadium Julie Kumor, Midnight Riders: The biggest news of the week is probably the Midnight Riders winning their second straight Supporter's Cup over the Rebellion, 4-2.

The Guardian - Sport

And some experts see Iran's hands in the Houthi rebellion that has engulfed Yemen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mossad operatives were in northern Iraq training Kurdish fighters for the battles with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, until the Shah pulled the plug, ending support for the Kurdish rebellion with his 1975 Algiers agreement with Saddam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "rebellion", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific authority or norm being challenged. Providing this context enhances the impact and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "rebellion" to describe minor acts of non-compliance. Reserve it for situations involving significant resistance to established power or authority to maintain its gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The noun "rebellion" functions primarily to denote an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing political uprisings, social defiance, and organized subversion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Books

3%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "rebellion" is a powerful term used to describe acts of resistance against established authority. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, primarily news and opinion pieces. While it can refer to a range of defiant acts, it's best reserved for scenarios involving significant challenges to power structures. Alternatives like "uprising" or "insurrection" offer similar meanings but carry slightly different connotations of scale and organization. Use "rebellion" judiciously to maintain its intended impact and avoid diluting its significance through overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolt

A general term for rising in opposition to authority.

uprising

Suggests a more spontaneous and widespread act of resistance.

insurrection

Implies a more organized and forceful attempt to overthrow a government.

resistance

Focuses on opposing or withstanding a force or policy.

mutiny

Specifically refers to rebellion within the military or naval context.

sedition

Incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.

defiance

Open resistance; refusal to comply.

nonconformity

Failure or refusal to conform to accepted standards.

civil disobedience

The refusal to comply with certain laws or demands of a government for the purpose of influencing legislation or government policy.

insubordination

Refusal to obey orders or rules; a less intense form of resistance.

FAQs

How to use "rebellion" in a sentence?

You can use "rebellion" to describe an act of open resistance to an established government or authority, as in, "The government is doing its best to stop "rebellion" in the country."

What are some words with a similar meaning to "rebellion"?

Alternatives to "rebellion" include "uprising", "revolt", or "insurrection", each carrying slightly different connotations of scale and intent.

Is "rebellion" a formal or informal word?

"Rebellion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a serious tone, making it suitable for discussing significant acts of resistance or defiance.

What is the difference between "rebellion" and "protest"?

"Rebellion" implies a more forceful or violent resistance to authority, whereas "protest" typically involves non-violent demonstrations or expressions of disapproval.