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
On June 14, 1846, rebellious settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma.
—
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Celebrities in the ‘90s were quick to adopt these sneakers as part of their casual, somewhat rebellious style, which denoted a significant cultural shift.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
In writer-director Nia DaCosta's stylish take on Henrik Ibsen's classic play Hedda Gabler, the Passing star pushes the rebellious character to her limits as a party host from hell, pitting Imogen Poots, Nina Hoss, Tom Bateman and more against each other in a game of social destruction.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Celebrities in the ‘90s were quick to adopt these sneakers as part of their casual, somewhat rebellious style, which denoted a significant cultural shift.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
In writer-director Nia DaCosta's stylish take on Henrik Ibsen's classic play Hedda Gabler, the Passing star pushes the rebellious character to her limits as a party host from hell, pitting Imogen Poots, Nina Hoss, Tom Bateman and more against each other in a game of social destruction.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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Mamdani’s victory in the financial capital of the world was seen as a galvanizing moment for the progressive wing of the party and a sign of an insurgent mood among its base.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
10 Aug. 2025
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And their coalition is divided between a centrist establishment and an insurgent progressive wing with diverging priorities in addressing inequality.—
Nathan Meyers,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Offering a complete range of tailored clothing, leather jackets, footwear, and accessories, JV denotes the taste of high fashion with a rebel aesthetic.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The rebel run is the biggest of them all.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Clarisse looks intimidating climbing out of a boat, as does Bushnell’s traitorous Luke, who wields a sharp-looking knife.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
24 July 2025
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There's a delicious whodunit aspect to it, too, as the list of five potentially traitorous suspects includes the operative's own high-profile wife (Cate Blanchett).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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But to Hollywood, Pusser’s defiant story was irresistible.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
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A day earlier, at his pre-match news conference, Pochettino sounded defensive and defiant.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Harlem’s Fashion Row is doing revolutionary work within an industry that often has little to no regard for Black designers beyond lip service.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
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In revolutionary Russia, a group of forward-thinking philosophers offered an alternative to both futurism and communism.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Viewers were quick to point out the hilarity of the dog's stubborn protest, with many suggesting that the dachshund had already claimed permanent rights to the bed.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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The stubborn myth that Jews are too safe to be targets is colliding with a painful new reality.—
Andrew Weinstein,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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