rebellious

1 of 2

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

rebelliousness

2 of 2

noun

re·​bel·​lious·​ness

ri-ˈbel-yəs-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being rebellious

Synonyms of rebellious

Adjective

• insurgent
• traitorous
• revolutionary

Examples of rebellious in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

This shift has moved in tandem with the growing dynamic of parliamentarians becoming more rebellious and less loyal to their leadership. — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

John Mellencamp's rebellious spirit drives him Along with his status as blue-collar rocker, Mellencamp is also a respected artist. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026

The inspiration behind this rock-and-roll icon, however, lies in Hindu spiritual symbolism, whose meanings contrast sharply with the rebellious image the logo projects. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Judy Davis stars as Sybylla, a rebellious young woman in 19th century Australia who longs to be a writer, but her traditionalist parents refuse to indulge those dreams, sending her to board with her wealthy grandmother instead. — ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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