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

These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux. —Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey. —Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025

These cuts may affect elites, too, for example, by reducing federal subsidies to potentially rebellious regions like Chechnya. —Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025

The patriots remained ever hopeful that Quebec would become a 14th rebellious colony. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 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