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
Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
This week, rebel assassin Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu) was accidentally shot by a Ghorman revolutionary during a routine attack on an Imperial transport ship.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 May 2025
Israel has repeatedly targeted the rebels in Yemen.
—Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Riley Beggin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Medicaid benefits: Moderates are rebelling against per-capita spending caps, as well as shifting some of the cost burden to the states.
—Hans Nichols, Axios, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebel
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.
Adjective
The president's remarks note a stark difference in recent comments he's made toward the rebel group.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
This week, rebel assassin Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu) was accidentally shot by a Ghorman revolutionary during a routine attack on an Imperial transport ship.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025
Noun
Despite all their years of playing cat-and-mouse, Diego Luna’s rebel spy Cassian Andor and Kyle Soller‘s Empire agent Syril Karn have never had much screen time together — until now.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 May 2025
Israel has repeatedly targeted the rebels in Yemen.
—Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Verb
As few as four lawmakers rebelling in the House or Senate could derail the final package, as no Democrats are expected to support the legislation.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Medicaid benefits: Moderates are rebelling against per-capita spending caps, as well as shifting some of the cost burden to the states.
—Hans Nichols, Axios, 7 May 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 18 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share