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 of rebellious

• insurgent
• traitorous
• 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

Buckles, sturdy soles, and a certain rebellious attitude continue to appeal to designers and the street-style set alike. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Aside from the rebellious English rockers, Friday’s other highlights included one of punk’s most captivating frontpersons with Dani Miller showing why Surfbort is always a must-watch band. — Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Christiane Zehl Romero, her chief biographer, noted that the bullheaded Bertolt Brecht had benefitted from Seghers’s protective maneuvers, as did rebellious younger writers such as Heiner Müller and Christa Wolf. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

The face of it is teenagers who are rebellious, bored by school (often for good reason), and beyond parent control. — Kalman Hettleman, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026

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