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

More recently, however, Ocasio-Cortez has shown signs of abandoning at least some of the rebellious positions that defined her earliest years in office. —Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 22 Dec. 2024

Americans are a rebellious bunch, so trying to stop a political figure by nearly killing him provokes the opposite reaction. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

As the Sundance Film Festival weighs the possibility of leaving Utah, its rebellious younger sibling has already packed its bags. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024

This scent feels classic with a modern, rebellious twist. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 12 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