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Definitions

coup d'etat

[koo dey-tah, koo dey-ta] / ˌku deɪˈtɑ, ku deɪˈta /
NOUN
violent seizure
Synonyms
WEAK
coup overthrow palace revolution power play putsch rebellion revolt revolution takeover
coup d'état
NOUN
violent seizure
Synonyms
WEAK
coup overthrow palace revolution power play putsch rebellion revolt revolution takeover

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup d'etat, underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair an inguinal hernia, his wife said.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Presidential spokesperson Lova Ranoromaro said on social media that "we do not want a coup d'etat, because a coup d'etat destroys a nation, because a coup d'etat destroys the future of our children".

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

In the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, there has been a civil war going on since a military coup d’etat in 2021.

From Salon • Oct. 28, 2023

Pereira's lawyer, Sebastiao Coelho da Silva, denied there had been an attempted coup d'etat and questioned the severity of the damage.

From Reuters • Sep. 15, 2023

These only increased after the celebrated coup d'etat of 2nd December.

From Pius IX. And His Time by Dawson, Æneas MacDonell