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

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 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War, a struggling Texas prep school on the brink of closure turns to the tough-as-nails Marine to restore order among its rebellious students. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026 For seven seasons, a hodgepodge crew mixing Starfleet and the rebellious Maquis put aside their differences after they got zapped 70,000 lightyears away from Earth, deep into the uncharted Delta Quadrant. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 In 2000 at age 15, he was sent to live in Australia with a host family because his father thought Zhang was too rebellious to stay in China. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 25 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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