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
The dynamic Sun in your 10th House of Career and Status squares rebellious Uranus in your 1st House of Identity, stirring shifts in your visibility.
—
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
The brand cultivates a fun, rebellious, and inclusive culture.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026
Your 11th House of Friendship hosts Venus, who squares rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources, pushing group plans against changing costs.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
Your 6th House of Labor hosts mental Mercury, which squares rebellious Uranus in your 9th House of Journeys, stirring tension between tradition and modernization.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
The brand cultivates a fun, rebellious, and inclusive culture.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026
Your 11th House of Friendship hosts Venus, who squares rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources, pushing group plans against changing costs.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
Your 6th House of Labor hosts mental Mercury, which squares rebellious Uranus in your 9th House of Journeys, stirring tension between tradition and modernization.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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And for two of those elections, in 1984 and 1988, the party endured a primary that pitted more establishment centrist candidates (Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis) against an insurgent firebrand Black populist, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.—
Abby Phillip,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
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Although some analysts have suggested Starmer may quietly be pleased with the resignation of his main rival and potential successor, the toppling of Rayner caps off what has been a dreadful summer for Labour, in which the party has lost more ground in the polls to the insurgent Reform UK.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tutu, the new documentary from Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI, 4 Little Girls), is a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the smiling, joyous rebel clergyman who helped end Apartheid.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
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But Koch wasn’t Ogden’s only rebel influence.—
Bill Donahue,
Outside,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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That video drew the ire of President Donald Trump, who deemed it traitorous.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
25 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In those early days, Zelensky’s uncanny capacity for survival and humor encapsulated the defiant mood of the country.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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As the last survivor of the Block 42 resisters, Tanimoto has kept awareness of that complicated, defiant chapter of Japanese American history alive by sharing his story, including at a Day of Remembrance event taking place at noon Saturday at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In 1998, the firm expanded into furniture with Mario Bellini’s revolutionary Bellini chair, which was awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro design award in 2001.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, keep an eye and ear on Peter Neureuther, who exuded charisma and displayed a marvelous tenor voice as lovestruck revolutionary Marius.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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One person refuses to bow — not an army, not a revolution, one stubborn Jew minding his own business — and Haman cannot function.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
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Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on stubborn areas.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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