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
In its earlier eras of prominence, the term had belonged to rebellious farmers and workers who felt Wall Street and the wealthy had locked them out.
—
Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Gabrielle, a young rebellious investigator newly settled in the city’s surrounding area, must team up with Clémence, a veteran investigator on the verge of retirement, to solve these murders.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
Sparked by a rebellious new hire, Helly R. (Britt Lower), Mark begins to unravel the secrets of the severance programs with Lumon colleagues Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) and Irving B. (John Turturro).
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Illiberal leaders select their cabinet members in the same way that emperors used to choose the governors of rebellious provinces: What matters most is the appointee’s loyalty and capacity to resist being suborned or co-opted by others.
—Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rebellious 
Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Gabrielle, a young rebellious investigator newly settled in the city’s surrounding area, must team up with Clémence, a veteran investigator on the verge of retirement, to solve these murders.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
Sparked by a rebellious new hire, Helly R. (Britt Lower), Mark begins to unravel the secrets of the severance programs with Lumon colleagues Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) and Irving B. (John Turturro).
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Illiberal leaders select their cabinet members in the same way that emperors used to choose the governors of rebellious provinces: What matters most is the appointee’s loyalty and capacity to resist being suborned or co-opted by others.
—Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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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
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Members of the insurgent forces also told NBC News that bombing by Russian aircraft overnight also focused on the Rustan bridge along the main route to Homs, presumably in a bid to slow the rebels' advance.—
Ammar Cheikh Omar,
NBC News,
6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The brand thrives on a rebel heart, embracing individuality, audacity, and the freedom to exist beyond conventional boundaries.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
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Lower shows how the same drive that manifests as ruthlessness in outie Helena becomes rebel fierceness in innie Helly.—
James Poniewozik,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Guinevere, usually relegated to the thankless role of traitorous wife, acts here as Arthur’s beloved confidante.—
Elizabeth Hand,
Washington Post,
16 July 2024
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And somewhere between them on the war/peace continuum sit the men on Rhaenyra’s borderline traitorous council.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
30 June 2024
Adjective
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But the former Fox News host struck a defiant tone as support for his confirmation appeared to be in doubt and Mr. Trump stood behind his pick.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
24 Jan. 2025
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In hindsight the music was invincible: defiant, purposeful, rightfully confident in its breakthroughs.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This week's quiz highlights soda switches, baseball brilliance, revolutionary recipes and more.—
Sydney Borchers,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
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In the role of the revolutionary being tortured by his jailers, Diego Luna puts his own stamp on the role made famous four decades ago by the late Raul Julia. CONDON: Just as Jennifer was the first and only choice, so was Diego.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Coaches will tell you of a character who could be grumpy or stubborn, but also of someone who needed faith shown in him.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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Thanks to its impressive staying power, this eyeliner can be a bit stubborn to remove.—
Siena Gagliano,
Allure,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rebellious
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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