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

In December he was convicted of sedition and colluding with foreigners after an interminable trial that seemed designed to drag out his punishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

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

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Police have reportedly detained a man, who was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry, for suspected sedition on Saturday.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 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

After the strike, fifty-two men, including Kotane, Marks, and many other Communists, were arrested and prosecuted, first for incitement then for sedition.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• insubordination
• insurrection
• mutiny
• treason