rebellious

adjective

ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
Definition of rebelliousnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rebellious Amongst the Island’s iconic statues, as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris’s newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students threatens to send everyone’s trip to this remote paradise sideways. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 The film loosely adapts the plot of The Taming of The Shrew and follows the rebellious Kat Stratford (Stiles) as she is pursued by Patrick Verona (Ledger), who is paid to take her out on a date. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026 In a somewhat rebellious moment, Meghan attended her first Trooping the Colour ceremony wearing an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 The rebellious character was always perfectly polite to parents while secretly being up to no good. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebellious
  1. insurgent
  2. rebel
  3. traitorous
  4. defiant
  5. revolutionary
  6. stubborn
Adjective
  • Four years ago, during his insurgent first campaign, this editorial board had been wary of some of Mejia’s radical rhetoric.
    — The Editorial Board, Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • Myanmar is worried about resistance to military rule, India is concerned with insurgent groups in its northeast.
    — Michael Sullivan, NPR, 30 May 2026
Definition of insurgent
Adjective
  • The outbreak is unfolding in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, with rebel threats and intense population movements.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has increasingly embraced Sharaa, the former commander of al Qaeda’s Nusra Front who broke ties with the global jihadist network in 2016 and led the rebel coalition that overthrew Assad.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Telemachus’ lone contribution is killing Melanthius, the traitorous Ithacan farmhand, thus preventing him from continuing to arm the suitors.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • And at the very center of Hell is Satan himself, the traitorous Archangel Lucifer, depicted as a monstrous creature with wings and three heads.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of traitorous
Adjective
  • Bonta, appearing on CNBC Thursday, was defiant when asked about the mounting industry pressure to settle.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • There’s an almost defiant tone now, as if daring me to tell her to quit.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of defiant
Adjective
  • That is the revolutionary mathematics of this first-of-its kind, dual-sport training ground.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Violeta Chamorro had defeated the Sandinistas at the ballot box, ending a decade of revolutionary rule and opening the door to democratic governance.
    — Lynn Northcutt Vega, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of revolutionary
Adjective
  • United’s struggle to break down stubborn defensive sides is a problem that predates Carrick.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This one features glycerin, stearic acid, and allantoin to help repair cracks and stubborn dry spots.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stubborn

Browse Nearby Words

rebellions
rebellious
rebelliousness
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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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