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
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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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Authorities say Saturday’s attack was perpetrated by the Central General Staff, EMC, a rebel group under the command of infamous ex-FARC commander Ivan Mordisco.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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Colombia’s defense minister on Sunday said that kidnappings and lockdowns enforced by rebel groups on communities had decreased in Cauca over the past year because of the government's actions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 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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But an increasingly defiant Daisy has another idea.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
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While Google has struck a defiant tone, internal backlash appears to be mounting, with several employees criticizing the deal publicly.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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But as the war progressed, the Red Army phased out most of its pre-war tanks in favor of the revolutionary medium tank, the T-34.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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Kneecap have skillfully put their manifesto and a detailed rundown of last year’s experiences on their new album, Fenian, whose title, taken from the name of a 19th century Irish revolutionary movement, signals its controversial content.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
6 May 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 8 May. 2026.
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