The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word HIPPIES
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More clues leading to the result HIPPIES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "rebels" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rebels = hippies.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HIPPIES mean?
HIPPIES noun- (1950s slang) A teenager who imitated the beatniks.
- (1960s slang; still widely used in reference to that era) One who chooses not to conform to prevailing social norms: especially one who subscribes to values or actions such as acceptance or self-practice of recreational drug use, liberal or radical sexual mores, advocacy of communal living, strong pacifism or anti-war sentiment, etc.
- (modern slang) A person who keeps an unkempt or sloppy appearance and wearing unusually long hair (for males), and because of it, often stereotyped as a deadbeat.
- Someone who dresses in a hippie style.
- One who is hip.