rebellious
adjective
re·bel·lious
ri-ˈbel-yəs 
1
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
These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.
—
Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
On June 14, 1846, rebellious settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
James Murdoch James Murdoch, Rupert's third child with Anna and fourth overall, had a more rebellious start to his career than his older siblings.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Written by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes, the film follows a rebellious bad boy and a type-A overachiever who join forces to win the student body presidency – and maybe each other’s hearts along the way.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
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Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
On June 14, 1846, rebellious settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
James Murdoch James Murdoch, Rupert's third child with Anna and fourth overall, had a more rebellious start to his career than his older siblings.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Written by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes, the film follows a rebellious bad boy and a type-A overachiever who join forces to win the student body presidency – and maybe each other’s hearts along the way.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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