rebellious

adjective

ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
Definition of rebelliousnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rebellious But beneath this charming Midwestern façade lies a fierce, rebellious soul. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 It’s left to the women—including Anita Sharma, a striver, and her rebellious daughter, Leila—to find a way forward. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026 In 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War, a struggling Texas prep school on the brink of closure turns to the tough-as-nails Marine to restore order among its rebellious students. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026 For seven seasons, a hodgepodge crew mixing Starfleet and the rebellious Maquis put aside their differences after they got zapped 70,000 lightyears away from Earth, deep into the uncharted Delta Quadrant. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
  1. insurgent
  2. rebel
  3. traitorous
  4. defiant
  5. revolutionary
  6. stubborn
Adjective
  • Four years ago, during his insurgent first campaign, this editorial board had been wary of some of Mejia’s radical rhetoric.
    — The Editorial Board, Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • Myanmar is worried about resistance to military rule, India is concerned with insurgent groups in its northeast.
    — Michael Sullivan, NPR, 30 May 2026
Definition of insurgent
Adjective
  • Earlier this week, the rebel group also threatened to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 July 2026
  • Some communities at its epicenter also remain difficult to reach, mainly because of fighting involving rebel groups.
    — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Telemachus’ lone contribution is killing Melanthius, the traitorous Ithacan farmhand, thus preventing him from continuing to arm the suitors.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • And at the very center of Hell is Satan himself, the traitorous Archangel Lucifer, depicted as a monstrous creature with wings and three heads.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of traitorous
Adjective
  • Her music accordingly pares down the signature elements of a genre in which reckless abandon and defiant self-expression have long been central.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • But back at Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in central Delhi, the mood Thursday was defiant.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026
Definition of defiant
Adjective
  • The massacre of 10 men across Zacatecas has jolted a region better known for mining wealth and revolutionary history than cartel-style terror.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
  • Fixing a problem inside one of the world's most sophisticated scientific observatories might seem like the kind of challenge that demands a multimillion-dollar upgrade or revolutionary new technology.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of revolutionary
Adjective
  • Backed by water tankers and a helicopter, firefighters on Sunday fought to contain a stubborn wildfire in Northern California that prompted officials to order evacuations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
  • Individual quality and a moment of magic can often be the key to unlock a stubborn defence, and Vinicius Jr has frequently been the difference for Madrid.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of stubborn

Browse Nearby Words

rebellions
rebellious
rebelliousness
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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of rebellious for Spanish Speakers

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