What does "counterrevolutionary" mean?
A person who opposes a revolution and attempts to reverse the changes made by it.
Counterrevolutionary
adj, noun
adj, noun ·8 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person who opposes a revolution and attempts to reverse the changes made by it.
- Grammar: counterrevolutionary is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anti revolutionary, antirevolutionary, counter-revolutionist, counterrevolutionist.
- Useful contrasts: revolutionary, bolsheviks, bolshevist.
- Usage evidence: The work of George Orwell has been subverted by the same kind of counterrevolutionary elements he fought in Spain and opposed during World War II.
How to use "counterrevolutionary"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "counterrevolutionary" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "counterrevolutionary" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "counterrevolutionary" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "counterrevolutionary" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person who opposes a revolution and attempts to reverse the changes made by it.
"Two “counterrevolutionaries” were sentenced to death and executed publicly before cheering thousands in Shanghai Aug. 28, according to a Shanghai radio report received in Tokyo today."
- 2 a revolutionary whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by an earlier revolution wordnet
Adjective
- 1 In opposition to a revolution.
"In early 1990, he was sentenced to two years by the Loudi Prefecture Intermediate Court on a charge of "counterrevolutionary propaganda and incitement." He was then sent to Longxi Prison for reform through labor, and has since been released."
Adjective
- 1 marked by opposition or antipathy to revolution wordnet
- 2 relating to or being a counterrevolution wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The work of George Orwell has been subverted by the same kind of counterrevolutionary elements he fought in Spain and opposed during World War II."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "counterrevolutionary"?
Common synonyms include: anti revolutionary, antirevolutionary, counter-revolutionist, counterrevolutionist, thermidorian reaction.
How do you use "counterrevolutionary" in a sentence?
The work of George Orwell has been subverted by the same kind of counterrevolutionary elements he fought in Spain and opposed during World War II.
Etymology
From counter- + revolutionary. Originally applied to thinkers who opposed themselves to the 1789 French Revolution.