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
There is no suicidal or angry rose, there is no depressed or rebellious lily.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Yet, there is a freedom and boldness to her work that speaks to the rebellious nature of street art.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The film, helmed by returning director Yu, continues the story of Ne Zha, a rebellious and powerful young deity.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction.
—Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Yet, there is a freedom and boldness to her work that speaks to the rebellious nature of street art.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The film, helmed by returning director Yu, continues the story of Ne Zha, a rebellious and powerful young deity.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction.
—Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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The photograph depicts a foot soldier in an insurgent religious movement trying to storm the halls of American power.—
John Blake,
CNN,
12 Jan. 2025
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Burrows' win marks a defeat for the insurgent right wing of the GOP that eschewed working with Democrats.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Plutarch, future Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games and commander of the rebel forces, is a young Capitol cameraman in this timeline who is tasked with documenting the tributes of District 12.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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The civil war in Sudan, between the government’s SAF and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has just passed its grisly second anniversary.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Smith made out their former collaborators to be ungrateful and traitorous, and the kids weren't given the space to question her command.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Foreign military interventions can change victims from being viewed as a nuisance into being seen as powerful and traitorous enemies, potentially capable of exacting revenge, seizing power, or breaking away from the state.—
Benjamin A. Valentino,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Oct. 2011
Adjective
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Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, was defiant in remarks to reporters earlier Monday.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2025
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But when asked about the lack of norms and decorum in the current political climate and whether Democrats need to play on the same level, Himes was defiant.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But what actually makes video content truly revolutionary, extending beyond national boundaries to achieve global reach?—
Dr. Bin Tang,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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And through radical self-trust, culturally rooted support, and the power of storytelling, Black birthing people are creating a new legacy where joy, safety, and sovereignty are no longer revolutionary.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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