1
as in insurgent
taking part in a rebellion
the rebellious troops fought a pitched battle with divisions still loyal to the government
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rebel
given to resisting authority or another's control
expected her son to grow a little more rebellious as he got older, but she knew he understood when to kick and when to obey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rebellious
To promote the new launch, the duo teamed up on a campaign captured on the streets of Paris by photographer Daniel Roché, with the aim of creating a series of images that reflects the fusion of youth culture and a cool, rebellious edge, Asics said.
—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
20 June 2026
The last of the rebellious slaveholding states was finally under federal control.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
As the series peels back the secrets surrounding the coastal town, Southwick’s performance evolves from rebellious teenager to a young man forced to confront painful truths about his family and his place in a much larger story.
—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Related Stories Known to be a rebellious royal and a surreptitious anti-fascist, Maria José then moved to Portugal and soon left her husband.
—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
20 June 2026
The last of the rebellious slaveholding states was finally under federal control.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
As the series peels back the secrets surrounding the coastal town, Southwick’s performance evolves from rebellious teenager to a young man forced to confront painful truths about his family and his place in a much larger story.
—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Related Stories Known to be a rebellious royal and a surreptitious anti-fascist, Maria José then moved to Portugal and soon left her husband.
—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
-
Four years ago, during his insurgent first campaign, this editorial board had been wary of some of Mejia’s radical rhetoric.
-
Twenty years on, Pratt is once again a figure who can’t be ignored: an insurgent challenger to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s reelection bid.
Adjective
-
Starmer had previously vowed to stand in any formal Labour leadership race triggered by rebel lawmakers who feating a 2029 election wipeout sought to replace him.
-
Many rebel groups are offshoots of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which had been fighting to overthrow the government since the 1960s and had been the country's largest guerrilla organization.
Adjective
-
And at the very center of Hell is Satan himself, the traitorous Archangel Lucifer, depicted as a monstrous creature with wings and three heads.
-
Russell fabricates a lie with the rest of the villains, and the heroes believe it, despite a warning from one traitorous tribemate.
Adjective
-
To a defiant Son, however, the party hasn’t even started.
-
Terri Hupfer, draped in a Pride flag and a Giants’ issued Pride T-shirt, drove 90 minutes from her Delta home to join Tuesday’s pregame gathering, which was organized online and drew more media and police than defiant (or supportive) fans.
Adjective
-
Morelia is named after José María Morelos, a revolutionary priest and key leader of the Mexican War of Independence.
-
For me, rock and roll is a revolutionary act in and of itself.
Adjective
-
Dealing with stubborn dark spots?
-
But when the adults decide to cancel Christmas and the magical star fades away, a stubborn little bird named Pikkuli sets off on a winter adventure with friends to find the Starlight Reindeer and bring back the light.
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
