sedition

American  

[si-dish-uhn] / sɪˈdɪʃ ən /

noun

1. incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.

   Synonyms:

   mutiny, insurrection

2. any action, especially in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.

3. Archaic. rebellious disorder.

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sedition British  

/ sɪˈdɪʃən /

noun

1. speech or behaviour directed against the peace of a state

2. an offence that tends to undermine the authority of a state

3. an incitement to public disorder

4. archaic revolt

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sedition Cultural  

1. Acts that incite rebellion or civil disorder against an established government.

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Usage

What does sedition mean? Sedition is the act of encouraging rebellion against the government, or an action that promotes such rebellion, such as through speech or writing. What’s the difference between treason and sedition? Treason typically refers to a direct action to overthrow or betray one’s government, whereas sedition usually falls short of direct action and instead involves the promotion of revolutionary or treasonous actions. Legally, sedition is typically considered a less serious offense than treason. Example: His statements amount to nothing less than sedition—he’s actively trying to incite a rebellion against the government.

Related Words

See treason.

Other Word Forms

• antisedition adjective
• seditionary noun

Etymology

Origin of sedition

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin sēditiōn-, stem of sēditiō “rebellion, strife,” literally “a going apart,” from sēd- se- + itiō “a going” (from it(us) “gone,” past participle of īre “to go” + -iō -ion ); replacing Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Compare meaning

How does sedition compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sedition vs. treason

Example Sentences

Third, retired officers can be court-martialed for sedition.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Lai was also convicted on the lesser charge of violating Hong Kong’s sedition law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

The former British colony passed an additional, homegrown security law last year, which strengthened penalties for sedition and created five new categories of crimes.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

Benjamin Franklin’s 1773 “Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One” used irony to lampoon British policy, undermining authority while avoiding direct flouting of the era’s harsh sedition laws.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

‘Let’s see what sort of sedition this rogue is bringing in among His Majesty’s loyal troops.’

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• insubordination
• insurrection
• mutiny
• treason