rebellious

adjective

re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs 

1

a

: given to or engaged in rebellion

rebellious troops

b

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a rebel or rebellion

a rebellious speech

2

: resisting treatment or management : refractory

rebelliously adverb

rebelliousness noun

Synonyms

• insurgent
• insurrectionary
• mutinous
• revolutionary

Examples of rebellious in a Sentence

the rebellious troops fought a pitched battle with divisions still loyal to the government

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The current state of his ’stache, more tweezed than Hughes’s rebellious bushy caterpillar, is owed to that role. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

Tired of the toxic culture within the group, Veronica teams up with her rebellious new boyfriend, J.D. (played by Christian Slater), and things quickly spiral out of control as their plot to take down the Heathers turns deadly. —Jane Lacroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Her funny dynamics with her siblings were more than relatable with Justin (David Henrie) as the smart, trustworthy kind of uptight eldest sibling, Alex, as the middle child with a rebellious spirit, and Max (Jake T. Austin) as the funny and a bit dumb younger brother. —Stephanie Andrade, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2024

Her religious fervor often puts her in the role of disciplinarian for her rebellious niece Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) and soft-hearted sister Hilda (Lucy Davis), both of whom lack the discipline to serve the Dark Lord with the proper rigor. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rebellious

• rebellious streak

Kids Definition

rebellious

adjective

re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs 

1

: taking part in rebellion

2

: tending to fight against or disobey authority

rebelliously adverb

rebelliousness noun