1
a
: opposing or taking arms against a government or ruler
b
: of or relating to rebels
the rebel camp
2
rebelled; rebelling
1
a
: to oppose or disobey one in authority or control
b
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
2
a
: to act in or show opposition or disobedience
rebelled against the conventions of polite society
b
: to feel or exhibit anger or revulsion
rebelled at the injustice of life
Examples of rebel in a Sentence
Adjective
today's rebel chefs feel free to ignore the dictates of classic French cuisine
Noun
The government captured six armed rebels.
He was a rebel against the school administration.
He is a typical teenage rebel.
Verb
When the government imposed more taxes, the people rebelled.
The protesters are rebelling against the new tax law.
Children often rebel against their parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 July 2025
The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.
—Time, 2 July 2025
Eyad Kourdi, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The Times of Israel reported that both ships were attacked over a week ago by the rebels as part of their campaign targeting vessels over the war in Gaza.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 July 2025
Were Susan and her brothers eager to rebel and create less commercial, more challenging music than their record company would allow?
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebel
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adjective
The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 July 2025
The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.
—Time, 2 July 2025
Noun
Israel has stepped up strikes against Syria despite pressure from the US, which has made moves to end the country’s international isolation following the rebel takeover.
—Eyad Kourdi, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The Times of Israel reported that both ships were attacked over a week ago by the rebels as part of their campaign targeting vessels over the war in Gaza.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
Verb
Determined to find a way out despite the painful testing and horrific consequences for rebelling.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 July 2025
Were Susan and her brothers eager to rebel and create less commercial, more challenging music than their record company would allow?
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebel
Cite this Entry
“Rebel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebel. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rebel
1 of 3 adjective
reb·el
ˈreb-əl 
1
: being or fighting against one's government or ruler
2
: not obeying
rebel
2 of 3 noun
: a person who refuses to give in to authority
rebel
3 of 3 verb
re·bel
ri-ˈbel
rebelled; rebelling
1
: to be against or fight against authority and especially the authority of one's government
2
: to feel or show anger or strong dislike
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