rebellious

adjective

re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
Synonyms of rebellious
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 of rebellious

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the episode on the 1993 timeline, the team intervenes when a general’s rebellious teen son is targeted by a dangerous former gang member. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 Denzel Washington was to have starred in an ambitious Netflix movie centered on rebellious general Hannibal until its high cost squashed it. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 The casting was based around the character of the person, as well as their alignment with Chopova Lowena’s rebellious and eccentric USP, says casting director Saffron McLeod, who cast the show alongside Lana Randolfi. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 The shoes appeared similar to the popular DSquared 2 Riri heeled sandals, which are also a sleek, seductive and rebellious style with towering heels and straps that wrap around the foot and ankle with super-thin leather ties. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebellious

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebellious was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing rebellious

Browse Nearby Words

rebellion
rebellious
rebelliously
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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rebellious

adjective
re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
1
: taking part in rebellion
2
: tending to fight against or disobey authority
rebelliously adverb
rebelliousness noun
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