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 siege, a success for Sulla, subdued the rebellious city back beneath the thumb of the Roman Republic.
—
Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
After England’s decisive defeat, John was forced to confront rebellious barons at home.
—Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando wore Levi’s in the movies, and kids in B-movies for teens wore them, too, folding jeans into the image of rough, rebellious youth.
—Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The playful cocktail menu—featuring boozy bobas and cheeky drinks like Over My Dad Body—adds to the restaurant’s spirited, rebellious charm.
—Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
After England’s decisive defeat, John was forced to confront rebellious barons at home.
—Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando wore Levi’s in the movies, and kids in B-movies for teens wore them, too, folding jeans into the image of rough, rebellious youth.
—Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The playful cocktail menu—featuring boozy bobas and cheeky drinks like Over My Dad Body—adds to the restaurant’s spirited, rebellious charm.
—Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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So the insurgent vibe is now directed in a different direction.—
Katie Drummond,
Wired News,
24 Mar. 2026
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The pressure on Mamdani will be intense, as his administration will be seen nationwide as a barometer of the insurgent socialist movement's ability to govern.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The camp was established in December 2025 to accommodate the Congolese fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira, which prompted Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
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In December 2024, a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham swept through the country with stunning speed, toppling the Assad regime that had ruled Syria since 1970.—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 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 her first public appearance since leaving Congress, Cherfilus-McCormick struck a defiant tone, framing her situation as a setback rather than an ending.—
WPEC Staff,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
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While Metcalf’s Linda adopts a facade of stoicism to shield her family from the grief erupting in her, Abbott’s Biff is forced to reveal the broken man behind the defiant veneer.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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From Nasser to Khomeini, the region’s revolutionary ideologies have delivered only ruin.—
Danielle Pletka,
Washington Post,
1 May 2026
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The Orient Express may be synonymous with luxury train travel, but 140 years on from its revolutionary rail venture, the company is launching an opulent sailing yacht named the Orient Express Corinthian.—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Jared Speight is a stubborn titan of Long Island abstraction when star writer Roxy Margaux first becomes infatuated with his bravado.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
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For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps remove the stubborn pollen film that builds up over spring months.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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