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

• insurgent
• insurrectionary
• mutinous
• 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

Unconventional and futuristic, Aquarius pushes us to break free from tradition, encouraging bold, rebellious choices in our wardrobe. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024

The film follows a rebellious horse trainer named Tabitha who, after the death of her husband, tries to find some financial stability. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Keaton), Lydia’s (Ryder) life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega), discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 6 Dec. 2024

Tomás forbids it, but Paja, in the style of rebellious teens and younger siblings everywhere, ignores him. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

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