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

Consider the case of a teenage nephew in Atlanta who had become sullen, rebellious and was way behind in school. — Mark Woolsey, AJC.com, 13 July 2026

But beneath this charming Midwestern façade lies a fierce, rebellious soul. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

It’s left to the women—including Anita Sharma, a striver, and her rebellious daughter, Leila—to find a way forward. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

In 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War, a struggling Texas prep school on the brink of closure turns to the tough-as-nails Marine to restore order among its rebellious students. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 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