rebellious

adjective

re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film centers on 12-year-old Janna, who embarks on a journey toward Mecca to perform Hajj – the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca – with her strict grandmother Sitti and rebellious 18-year-old sister Sarah. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025 In the Disney+ series of the same name, rebellious princess Kit (Bottoms’ Ruby Cruz) sets off on a dangerous quest to rescue her twin brother from dastardly forces of evil. Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025 Is Backdrop Schumacher’s rebellious little sister? Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 The film follows 12-year-old Janna who sets-off for Mecca with her strict grandmother Sitti and rebellious sister Sarah to perform Hajj. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebellious

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebellious was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rebellious

adjective
re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
1
: taking part in rebellion
2
: tending to fight against or disobey authority
rebelliously adverb
rebelliousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rebellious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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