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

Lesser powers that find themselves under the dominion of a great power against their wishes can be resentful and rebellious. —Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025

In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Lux, the most rebellious sister, gets into a secret romance with school heartthrob Trip Fontaine (Hartnett). —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Charlie is the rebellious teen patient assigned to work with her. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025

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