What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mutiny
Example
The sailors staged a mutiny against the captain of the ship. [mutiny: noun]
Example
The soldiers were court-martialed for planning a mutiny against their commanding officer. [mutiny: verb]
insurrection
Example
The country faced an insurrection by rebel forces seeking to overthrow the government. [insurrection: noun]
Example
The citizens were arrested for inciting insurrection against the ruling regime. [insurrection: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mutiny is less commonly used than insurrection in everyday language. Mutiny is often associated with military or naval contexts, while insurrection is more commonly used to describe political or social uprisings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mutiny and insurrection?
Both mutiny and insurrection are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, insurrection may be viewed as more extreme and formal due to its association with political or social upheaval.