Synonyms of rebellious

rebellious

adjective

ri-ˈbel-yəs 

1

as in insurgent

taking part in a rebellion

the rebellious troops fought a pitched battle with divisions still loyal to the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insurgent
• traitorous
• revolutionary
• mutinous
• insurrectionary
• treacherous
• seditious
• treasonous
• defiant
• disobedient
• insubordinate
• demagogic
• agitating
• recalcitrant
• unruly
• restive
• rabble-rousing
• refractory
• intractable
• ungovernable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loyal
• constant
• true
• steadfast
• staunch
• devoted
• obedient
• submissive
• true-blue
• compliant
• tractable

2

as in rebel

given to resisting authority or another's control

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn
• willful
• disobedient
• unruly
• wayward
• mischievous
• insubordinate
• contrary
• naughty
• recalcitrant
• contumacious
• restive
• obstreperous
• rigid
• dogged
• dissident
• adamant
• refractory
• ungovernable
• intractable
• wild
• balky
• froward
• insurgent
• unrelenting
• untoward
• uncontrollable
• recusant
• resistant
• mutinous
• bad
• rude
• incompliant
• uncooperative
• obstinate
• headstrong
• opinionated
• uncompromising
• peevish
• negativistic
• noncooperative
• implacable
• hardheaded
• unbending
• obdurate
• mulish
• fractious
• unmanageable
• unyielding
• undisciplined
• nonconformist
• inflexible
• pertinacious
• self-willed
• impudent
• insolent
• disorderly
• immovable
• perverse
• monkeying
• disrespectful
• wrongheaded
• pigheaded
• errant
• ornery
• adamantine
• uncouth
• inconsiderate
• ungracious
• discourteous
• impertinent
• uncivil
• misbehaving
• unmannerly
• impolite
• ill-mannered
• monkeyish
• ill-natured
• ill-bred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obedient
• docile
• submissive
• cooperative
• amiable
• compliant
• amenable
• tractable
• conformable
• agreeable
• acquiescent
• deferential
• behaved
• disciplined
• respectful
• biddable
• well-bred
• yielding
• polite
• courteous
• obliging
• servile
• ruly
• subservient
• slavish
• obsequious
• orderly
• proper
• decorous
• controllable
• manageable
• mannerly
• trainable
• kowtowing
• governable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rebellious

Its central character, Missie, a rebellious young woman who joins military intelligence, was inspired by Sue, who died in 2023 at age 99. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Follow rebellious 16-year-old Holden Caufield to New York City in Catcher in the Rye, in a tale that will evoke both humor and empathy from readers in equal measure. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Deckard is tasked with eliminating a band of rebellious replicants led by Roy (Rutger Hauer) who have returned to Earth to confront their creator, the CEO of the Tyrell Corporation. — David Faris, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Free-spirited, self-assured and rebellious, Oona has an unapologetic streak that’s reflected in her hair. — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026