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
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
Jason K. Stearns, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Her character evolves throughout the series from a superficial adherent to the Capitol’s cruel system to a rebel sympathizer who comes to care deeply for Katniss and Peeta, representing the potential for change even among those benefiting from oppression.
10.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Ooh, rendezvous with the hot rebel in the forest!
50.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
This is not the first time Kidman has played a woman rebelling against the gilded confines of her existence, so the actress delivers a reliably fine performance.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebel
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adjective
In January, the conflict sharply escalated, as Rwandan troops and their M23 rebel allies took control of Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo.
—Jason K. Stearns, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Her character evolves throughout the series from a superficial adherent to the Capitol’s cruel system to a rebel sympathizer who comes to care deeply for Katniss and Peeta, representing the potential for change even among those benefiting from oppression.
10.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
Aiding the princess is a band of rebels led by the dashing Jonathan (Tony winner Andrew Burnap).
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Ooh, rendezvous with the hot rebel in the forest!
50.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Major stock indexes have erased their post-electoral gains, as investors rebel against the prospect of higher costs.
—Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
This is not the first time Kidman has played a woman rebelling against the gilded confines of her existence, so the actress delivers a reliably fine performance.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebel
Cite this Entry
“Rebel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebel. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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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