English Reference

Word

junta

Phoneticsjun·ta

US/ˈhʊntə/

UK/dʒˈʌntɐ/

Definition

n. a small group of people, usually military officers, who take control of a country by force. This group often rules after a government has been removed suddenly.

n. a small group, typically composed of military officers, that rules a country after seizing power by force. Often used to describe the transitional or permanent administration following a coup d'état.

Examples

“The military junta took control of the capital overnight.”

“After the coup, the junta suspended the constitution and banned all political protests in the city.”

“International observers expressed grave concern that the ruling junta would fail to uphold its promise of returning the nation to civilian rule within the calendar year.”

Examples

simple

“The military junta took control of the capital overnight.”

contextual

“After the coup, the junta suspended the constitution and banned all political protests in the city.”

complex

“International observers expressed grave concern that the ruling junta would fail to uphold its promise of returning the nation to civilian rule within the calendar year.”

Usage

Often takes a singular verb in American English and a plural verb in British English.

Real-World Examples

“Niger is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.”
The Guardian · 14 Aug 2026
“She was previously held under house arrest for 15 years under a past junta, and was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1991.”
The Guardian · 12 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference