1
as in insurgent
taking part in a rebellion
the rebellious troops fought a pitched battle with divisions still loyal to the government
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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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Recent Examples of rebellious
But in fact, some parents warn against helicopter parenting, and strict parenting can actually result in more rebellious kids.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
Americans should see, in the island’s heroes, a reflection of their own rebellious heritage, their liberty-loving patriots who cast off an authoritarian, distant king.
—Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
On Wednesday, March 12, The Kardashians star was joined by her mother Kris Jenner for the latest episode of her Khloé in Wonderland podcast, where the two looked back at some of Khloé's rebellious childhood moments.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Mickey, tasked with keeping her rebellious sister in line, never had the opportunity to be a kid.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
Americans should see, in the island’s heroes, a reflection of their own rebellious heritage, their liberty-loving patriots who cast off an authoritarian, distant king.
—Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
On Wednesday, March 12, The Kardashians star was joined by her mother Kris Jenner for the latest episode of her Khloé in Wonderland podcast, where the two looked back at some of Khloé's rebellious childhood moments.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Mickey, tasked with keeping her rebellious sister in line, never had the opportunity to be a kid.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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The photograph depicts a foot soldier in an insurgent religious movement trying to storm the halls of American power.—
John Blake,
CNN,
12 Jan. 2025
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Burrows' win marks a defeat for the insurgent right wing of the GOP that eschewed working with Democrats.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Her character evolves throughout the series from a superficial adherent to the Capitol’s cruel system to a rebel sympathizer who comes to care deeply for Katniss and Peeta, representing the potential for change even among those benefiting from oppression. 10.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Mar. 2025
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In January, the conflict sharply escalated, as Rwandan troops and their M23 rebel allies took control of Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo.—
Jason K. Stearns,
TIME,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But what will their first move as a traitorous duo be?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
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The blame for this terrifying scenario, McCarthy declared, rested with traitorous federal employees, who had sold their country out and had to be purged from its service.—
Made by History,
TIME,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.—
Kareem Khadder,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2025
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Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.—
Zachary Basu,
Axios,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Celebrated annually on March 26, Air Max Day was established in 2014 to honor the debut of Nike’s revolutionary Air Max technology.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Then, Netanyahu was attempting something revolutionary and unpopular and also had to worry about public pressure fracturing his coalition at the outset of his term.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
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Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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