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 this passionate drama, Bardot consolidated her image as a femme fatale and rebellious woman.
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Bianca Novembre, Vanity Fair, 28 Dec. 2025
But now that Jacob Elordi, Harry Styles, and the average Bay Area guy have the cut, it can’t be considered rebellious for much longer.
—Jesse Klein, Outside, 27 Dec. 2025
Stolen from another influencer, the accessory carries a storyline and acts as an extension of A’zion’s rebellious character.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025
This time around, the look is more refined and more polished, but just as rebellious in essence.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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And for two of those elections, in 1984 and 1988, the party endured a primary that pitted more establishment centrist candidates (Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis) against an insurgent firebrand Black populist, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.—
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Although some analysts have suggested Starmer may quietly be pleased with the resignation of his main rival and potential successor, the toppling of Rayner caps off what has been a dreadful summer for Labour, in which the party has lost more ground in the polls to the insurgent Reform UK.—
Adjective
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Two men are targeted by the rebel army who overthrew the government of Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman.—
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He was denounced by rebel propagandists as a tyrant and remembered by Americans as a reactionary dolt.—
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.—
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That video drew the ire of President Donald Trump, who deemed it traitorous.—
Adjective
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Vice President Delcy Rodriguez initially was angry and defiant.—
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Venezuela’s interim leader, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has alternated between taking a conciliatory approach towards Washington and striking a defiant tone.—
Adjective
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Leave it to one of the best luggage brands to come out with a revolutionary zipper that is three times stronger than a traditional zipper, as well as an anti-microbial lining that keeps odor-causing bacteria from thriving.—
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Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a scruffy former revolutionary desperate to find his teen daughter (Chase Infiniti) with an old enemy (Sean Penn) in hot pursuit.—
Adjective
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These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
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The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.—
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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