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 news is a huge deal because rebellious Prince Fiyero is the ultimate catch for the students and Galinda. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

This 116-room property, set in the historic Latrobe building, borrows from Baltimore’s rebellious spirit where spaces transport you between overlapping eras and influences. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

No, this particular meeting of rebellious minds is an invention of the screenplay. —Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024

Watch Trading Places on Paramount+ A Bad Moms Christmas Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell reprise their roles as a rebellious trio of moms who receive the not-so-exciting surprise of their mothers visiting for Christmas. —Lydia Price, People.com, 22 Dec. 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