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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rebellious
Much of the video is also joyous and rebellious, showcasing different ethnic cuisines, stars like Lupita Nyong’o, athletes like Liverpool F.C.’s Mohamed Salah, and young Black and Brown graduates.
—
Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025
What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community and creative freedom.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies?
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025
What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community and creative freedom.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies?
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
Adjective
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In the fight over the future of the Democratic Party, Mr. Pritzker has emerged as a leader of an insurgent faction calling for a full-throated, unflinching barrage of attacks on Mr. Trump, his Republican allies and their right-wing agenda.—
Lisa Lerer,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Then, the detainees were executed, dressed in rebel uniforms, and reported as combat kills with many buried in anonymous graves in cemeteries.—
John Otis,
NPR,
27 May 2025
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Here romantic passion combines with revolution in a historical fiction sure to light up readers’ rebel hearts.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Michael Fassbender plays a British intelligence officer tasked with finding who leaked a top-secret software program and betrayed their country, and the list of five potentially traitorous suspects includes his own high-profile wife (Cate Blanchett).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Smith made out their former collaborators to be ungrateful and traitorous, and the kids weren't given the space to question her command.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Bowser’s shifting response on immigration matters is one of a number of ways the mayor, a leading figure in the Democratic resistance during Trump’s first term, is now striking a less defiant tone.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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Moxley took out Nightingale to massive heat, and Omega hit a snap-dragon suplex on a defiant Marina Shafir.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Internal politics and bureaucratic struggles now characterize organizations that once prided themselves on revolutionary simplicity.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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That, paired with large reductions in power consumption, have the potential to make this a revolutionary drive within its sphere.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Of course, stubborn coach Tom Thibodeau went with his only play, a Jalen Brunson iso, while the starters huffed and puffed from playing nearly the entire game.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2025
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United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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