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
Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest centers on Randle McMurphy, a rebellious gambler whose defiance of authority challenges the rigid system of a mental institution.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 July 2025
With music spanning hip hop, rock, R&B and other genres, Stray Kids has cultivated a rebellious, individualistic style in a genre that sometimes receives criticism for being too formulaic.
—William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 July 2025
With music spanning hip hop, rock, R&B and other genres, Stray Kids has cultivated a rebellious, individualistic style in a genre that sometimes receives criticism for being too formulaic.
—William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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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
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In the fight over the future of the Democratic Party, Mr. Pritzker has emerged as a leader of an insurgent faction calling for a full-throated, unflinching barrage of attacks on Mr. Trump, his Republican allies and their right-wing agenda.—
Lisa Lerer,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Celebrate The Tradition Of Red Dirt Music Stillwater is considered the home of Red Dirt music, a gritty blend of rebel country, bluegrass, rock, and storytelling.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
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An Islamic State affiliate killed more than 40 churchgoers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region already beset by government clashes with a separate rebel group.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
28 July 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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On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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This evolutionary—not revolutionary—mindset offers a key lesson: Transformation doesn’t mean total disruption.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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The concerts have been revolutionary shows filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Beneath its surface were deep, dark scars—grooves cut through the rock by old lava flows, now overgrown with stubborn green.—
Tess Moormans,
Travel + Leisure,
27 July 2025
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The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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