rebellious

adjective

re·​bel·​lious ri-ˈbel-yəs How to pronounce rebellious (audio)
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.
Ali is a directionless and rebellious 17-year-old girl with an overprotective mother who eventually finds her passion in music after taking piano lessons from an elderly woman in her apartment building. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Talking about the soul is more rebellious than talking about Marxist revolution. Marta Balaga, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025 However, expect a surprising shift on Feb. 10 as Mercury goes head-to-head with rebellious Uranus in your sign. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025 The secret-weapon character who makes the more haunting impression is Agnes, whose chignon hides a rebellious spirit underneath — as well as a furtive romance with the stable boy, Isak (Malte Gårdinger). Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near rebellious

Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rebellious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!