1
a
: opposing or taking arms against a government or ruler
b
: of or relating to rebels
the rebel camp
2
rebelled; rebelling
1
a
: to oppose or disobey one in authority or control
b
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
2
a
: to act in or show opposition or disobedience
rebelled against the conventions of polite society
b
: to feel or exhibit anger or revulsion
rebelled at the injustice of life
Synonyms
Examples of rebel in a Sentence
Adjective
today's rebel chefs feel free to ignore the dictates of classic French cuisine
Noun
The government captured six armed rebels.
He was a rebel against the school administration.
He is a typical teenage rebel.
Verb
When the government imposed more taxes, the people rebelled.
The protesters are rebelling against the new tax law.
Children often rebel against their parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Over the past year, the conflict between rebel forces and government troops in Myanmar has brought new refugees to the settlements.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 1 Sep. 2024
Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
In winter 1986, amid a 10-year-long conflict between Soviet forces and mujahedeen rebels, a bomb destroyed his family’s home in the suburbs of Kabul, Afghanistan.
—Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
Mariam Khan, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2024
Still, Bacon must contend with the reputation of some of his House colleagues on the far Right who are known for rebelling against GOP leadership and voting against several key pieces of legislation.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rebel 
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Adjective
The rebel spark in my heart, though, wasn’t completely snuffed.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Over the past year, the conflict between rebel forces and government troops in Myanmar has brought new refugees to the settlements.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 1 Sep. 2024
Noun
Wednesday’s surprise attack marks the first significant conflagration between Syrian rebels and the regime since March 2020, when Russia and Turkey mediated a ceasefire agreement in the country.
—Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
In winter 1986, amid a 10-year-long conflict between Soviet forces and mujahedeen rebels, a bomb destroyed his family’s home in the suburbs of Kabul, Afghanistan.
—Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
Verb
Senate Republicans rebelled late Monday night, dragging out the floor process by forcing Democrats to hold time-consuming votes on procedural motions that are usually routine and otherwise mundane.
—Mariam Khan, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2024
Still, Bacon must contend with the reputation of some of his House colleagues on the far Right who are known for rebelling against GOP leadership and voting against several key pieces of legislation.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rebel
Dictionary Entries Near rebel
Cite this Entry
“Rebel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebel. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rebel
1 of 3 adjective
reb·el
ˈreb-əl 
1
: being or fighting against one's government or ruler
2
: not obeying
rebel
2 of 3 noun
: a person who refuses to give in to authority
rebel
3 of 3 verb
re·bel
ri-ˈbel
rebelled; rebelling
1
: to be against or fight against authority and especially the authority of one's government
2
: to feel or show anger or strong dislike
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