What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insurgent
Example
The insurgents launched an attack on the government building. [insurgents: noun]
Example
The group of rebels was labeled as insurgents by the government. [insurgents: adjective]
dissident
Example
The dissident writer was arrested for criticizing the government. [dissident: noun]
Example
The group of dissident voices spoke out against the new policy. [dissident: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissident is more commonly used than insurgent in everyday language. Dissident is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while insurgent is more specific and often associated with military or political uprisings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insurgent and dissident?
Both insurgent and dissident are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, insurgent may have a more negative or controversial connotation due to its association with violence and rebellion.
