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

The tech world has always had a self-consciously rebellious relationship with societal norms. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026

Twenty-nine years have passed since then, yet the memory of the princess—an empathetic woman who defied convention, vulnerable yet rebellious, and imbued with a profound humanity—remains vivid and very much alive in the eyes of the entire world. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Next month, broader audiences will discover Halkias’s rebellious brand of humor with Uncle Stav, his latest Netflix standup special, a follow-up to 2023’s Fat Rascal. — Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Andrew Garfield is not just a rebellious peasant in his upcoming action period drama. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 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