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.
The wildly rebellious press across Europe are a vibrant sign of its free speech. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 Luna will meet with rebellious Uranus in a surprising trine, bringing a jolt of excitement and unexpected revelations to your love life. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Marking Talati’s debut feature, Girls Will Be Girls revolves around Mira (Panigrahi), a 16-year-old coming of age in the Himalayan foothills whose rebellious awakening is intertwined with her mother’s (Kani Kusruti) unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025 Still to be cast in the same upcoming episode is Cliff and Shelly’s son, a rebellious, mullet-rocking, GnR-loving 15-year-old who feels much resentment toward his dad (deservedly or not). Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 11 Feb. 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 20 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
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