1
as in insurgent
taking part in a rebellion
the rebellious troops fought a pitched battle with divisions still loyal to the government
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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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Recent Examples of rebellious
Quentin Bisch created both Cuir 1976, blending textured leather with the velvety softness of marron glacé, and Musc Terrible, which nods to the founder’s nickname and rebellious spirit by balancing an amber and spicy musk with powdery vanilla and top notes of cinnamon and pink pepper.
—
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
His struggle intensifies when Tare, a rebellious motorcyclist and fellow alcoholic, discovers the pastor’s secret and seeks to use the car for his own dream.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 19 May 2026
Her character appeared in the episode to give a single speech during the pageant, which Fenn felt more closely aligned with her complex, rebellious character.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
That would be a massive threat to the hegemony established by the film, especially for people at their most curious, rebellious age.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
His struggle intensifies when Tare, a rebellious motorcyclist and fellow alcoholic, discovers the pastor’s secret and seeks to use the car for his own dream.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 19 May 2026
Her character appeared in the episode to give a single speech during the pageant, which Fenn felt more closely aligned with her complex, rebellious character.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
That would be a massive threat to the hegemony established by the film, especially for people at their most curious, rebellious age.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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Myanmar is worried about resistance to military rule, India is concerned with insurgent groups in its northeast.—
Michael Sullivan,
NPR,
30 May 2026
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Spencer Pratt, once the villain of the 2000s MTV reality show The Hills and now an insurgent candidate in this year’s Los Angeles mayoral race, had a breakthrough moment in his first debate performance last Wednesday.—
Miles Klee,
Wired News,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Although the country saw a break in violence between rebel groups and the government in the 10 years since the historic agreement between guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) and the government, criminal gang activity is rising.—
Sebastian Jimenez,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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Attacks in the region by the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group allied with the militant organization Islamic State, and a coalition of ethnic militias have also hindered the response.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
11 May 2026
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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.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The great-grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic struck a defiant tone in an interview with CNN on Thursday, saying Iran shouldn’t compromise on its demands to end the war.—
Frederik Pleitgen,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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The candidate, wearing Nikes and a suit but no tie — not too buttoned up — struck a defiant tone.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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Although oral-history books focused on pop culture are fairly common today, the format was revolutionary in 1996, when the first edition of Please Kill Me was published.—
Juliet Izon,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
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Beneath an old wood ceiling is a fireplace and, just beyond, a replica of the lantern that guided Paul Revere when alerting the revolutionary militia that the British were arriving.—
Jayson Buford,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Grab a melamine sponge and get rid of stubborn bathtub stains in a jiffy.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 June 2026
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If the Avs remain stubborn and play a style that suits their stars in the regular season, MacKinnon might win another title, but will be at the end of his career with another team.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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