rebellious

1 of 2

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

rebelliousness

2 of 2

noun

re·​bel·​lious·​ness
ri-ˈbel-yəs-nəs
plural -es
: the quality or state of being rebellious

Synonyms of rebellious

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Adjective

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Examples of rebellious in a Sentence

Adjective 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
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Adjective
Five years earlier my brother had gotten married, leaving me home alone without the buffers of his distracted affection, his big brotherly insouciance, his rebellious indifference to the emotional chasm widening between our parents. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 Our customers tend to be independent-minded, a little rebellious, and often self-made entrepreneurs. — New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026 Converse and Vaquera are coming together again with a rebellious spirit. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rebellious

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 29 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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