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

Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies? —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025

Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025

The hardest to outfit was the rebellious Bebe, because Katznelson wanted a contemporary look for the DJ. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 10 May 2025

There’s a well-to-do white suburban family (a father, mother and son plus the mother’s rebellious brother) who have a fine home in New Rochelle just outside the city. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025

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