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

His sound—genre-fluid, rebellious, emotionally naked—didn’t always fit neatly into industry boxes. —Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

No surprise, then, that so much of their work is fearlessly modern, whether outspoken and rebellious or confessional and erotic. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

But Amy Madigan, who seemed like the rebellious, out-of-the-box pick for critics groups, made it into the hypercompetitive supporting actress category. —Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

The 8-episode first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Jan. 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