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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rebellious
From Sandy's soft-girl persona and surprising transformation to Danny's rebellious pursuit of her love after being stranded at the Drive-In, one thing's for sure there's a Grease character that resembles each zodiac sign.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
As a whole, the return of the Ninja 300 feels almost rebellious in today's motorcycle market.
—
Utkarsh Sood
june 13,
New Atlas,
13 June 2026
Difficult teenage years with lots of poor decisions and rebellious behavior.
—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Today, Roosevelt’s assurance stands not only as the most famous statement by a profoundly consequential president but also as a touchstone for the United States at a pivotal moment in its journey from rebellious colonies to global superpower.
—
New York Times,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
As a whole, the return of the Ninja 300 feels almost rebellious in today's motorcycle market.
—
Utkarsh Sood
june 13,
New Atlas,
13 June 2026
Difficult teenage years with lots of poor decisions and rebellious behavior.
—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Today, Roosevelt’s assurance stands not only as the most famous statement by a profoundly consequential president but also as a touchstone for the United States at a pivotal moment in its journey from rebellious colonies to global superpower.
—
New York Times,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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Four years ago, during his insurgent first campaign, this editorial board had been wary of some of Mejia’s radical rhetoric.
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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
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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.
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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
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And at the very center of Hell is Satan himself, the traitorous Archangel Lucifer, depicted as a monstrous creature with wings and three heads.
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Russell fabricates a lie with the rest of the villains, and the heroes believe it, despite a warning from one traitorous tribemate.
Adjective
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As for his own future, Lapid remains defiant, even as sources of financing and festival platforms risk becoming scarcer.
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This is a book about hope — the stubborn, defiant belief that even after life breaks us open, light can still pour through the cracks.
Adjective
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The authors tell it through the lives of six Iranians, including a revolutionary ideologue, a tech entrepreneur, and two women at the forefront of the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests.
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Atlanta offers a unique laboratory where chefs test ideas to determine if temporary kitchens can transform into revolutionary restaurants.
Adjective
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Dealing with stubborn dark spots?
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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 26 Jun. 2026.
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