Synonyms for

Coup

Verb / ku: / Another word for coup — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Synonyms & similar words

coupdetat takeover putsch overthrow takeover seizure revolt rebellion insurrection mutiny uprising revolt riot sedition subversion usurpation putsch strike occupation invasion incursion inroad infiltration

Synonyms by register

Formal

overthrow seizure insurrection rebellion

Informal

takeover putsch smash-and-grab

Literary

upheaval revolution

Antonyms

failure defeat loss setback underachievement

Common collocations

  • military coup
  • successful coup
  • failed coup
  • coup d'état
  • coup attempt
  • coup leader
  • bloodless coup

Word family

noun coup

Usage note

Often used in political contexts to describe the sudden, forceful overthrow of a government. The French phrase 'coup d'état' is frequently used.

Example sentences

  1. The coup was successful, and the military took control.
  2. The people of the country were unhappy with the coup.
  3. The coup leaders were arrested and put on trial.
  4. The coup caused chaos and instability.
  5. The coup was planned for months in secret.

Quotes

  • A coup consists of the infiltration of a small but critical segment of the state apparatus, which is then used to displace the government from its control of the remainder.
  • A coup is generally less violent and more manipulative than a revolution.
  • A coup is a sort of political accident.

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