1
a
: opposing or taking arms against a government or ruler
b
: of or relating to rebels
the rebel camp
2
rebelled; rebelling
1
a
: to oppose or disobey one in authority or control
b
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
2
a
: to act in or show opposition or disobedience
rebelled against the conventions of polite society
b
: to feel or exhibit anger or revulsion
rebelled at the injustice of life
Synonyms
Examples of rebel in a Sentence
Adjective
today's rebel chefs feel free to ignore the dictates of classic French cuisine
Noun
The government captured six armed rebels.
He was a rebel against the school administration.
He is a typical teenage rebel.
Verb
When the government imposed more taxes, the people rebelled.
The protesters are rebelling against the new tax law.
Children often rebel against their parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
The rebel groups that joined HTS to topple the regime made for a complex network of fighters, at times backed by foreign nations who were focused on battling different enemies.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Over the years, there have also been news reports of Syrian rebels being treated in Israeli hospitals.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024
Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Joining Beverly Hills and Coronado in rebelling against state housing rules: this blue-collar city.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rebel 
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show current usage.
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Adjective
In September, Israel launched another strike on Hodeida, killing at least four people after a rebel missile targeted Ben Gurion Airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning to the country.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
The rebel groups that joined HTS to topple the regime made for a complex network of fighters, at times backed by foreign nations who were focused on battling different enemies.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
What's New On Friday 170 House Republicans joined Democrats to approve an emergency funding bill just hours before a partial government shutdown was due to go into effect, despite President-elect Donald Trump's threat to oust any rebels.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Over the years, there have also been news reports of Syrian rebels being treated in Israeli hospitals.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
Despite the cruelty at the heart of his regime, Glinda refuses to rebel against Oz, because his hierarchy is all she’s ever known; the status quo has been good to her.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Joining Beverly Hills and Coronado in rebelling against state housing rules: this blue-collar city.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rebel
Dictionary Entries Near rebel
Cite this Entry
“Rebel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebel. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rebel
1 of 3 adjective
reb·el
ˈreb-əl 
1
: being or fighting against one's government or ruler
2
: not obeying
rebel
2 of 3 noun
: a person who refuses to give in to authority
rebel
3 of 3 verb
re·bel
ri-ˈbel
rebelled; rebelling
1
: to be against or fight against authority and especially the authority of one's government
2
: to feel or show anger or strong dislike
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