REBELLIOUS Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

rebellious

adjective

ri-ˈbel-yəs

Definition of rebellious

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

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 Deckard is tasked with eliminating a band of rebellious replicants led by Roy (Rutger Hauer) who have returned to Earth to confront their creator, the CEO of the Tyrell Corporation. — David Faris, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026 Free-spirited, self-assured and rebellious, Oona has an unapologetic streak that’s reflected in her hair. — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 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 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

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

Efforts to bring the outbreak under control — from limited public gatherings to social distancing and airport closures — have disrupted life in the six provinces, particularly Ituri, which also has been ravaged by rebel violence.

— Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Efforts to bring the outbreak under control — from limited public gatherings to social distancing and airport closures — have disrupted life in the six affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been ravaged by rebel violence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 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

Captured after years on the run and sentenced to life in 2017, Mladic remained defiant and unrepentant, still revered by some Serbs as a nationalist hero.

— Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Bringing it on board with the White House’s latest effort to subdue an Iranian leadership stubbornly defiant after almost six months of war, however, is an extremely tall order.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiant

Adjective

In addition to traditional library services, the indoor-outdoor space feels like an adventure center, with a revolutionary lending system for items like kites and snowshoes.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Tehran continues to adhere to the core features of its revolutionary ideology, including its anti-American and anti-Israeli foreign policy, but can also act with pragmatism when circumstances demand it.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of revolutionary

Browse Nearby Words

rebellions

rebellious

rebelliousness

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“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebellious. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rebellious

adjective

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