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.
Inspired by 1953’s The Wild One starring Marlon Brando, the song and video captures the rebellious spirit of the cult classic, with scenes of a motorcycle being driven on an open road and birds in flight. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025 Many historians estimate that at least 15 to 20 percent of the population remained loyal to the crown, some even taking up arms against their rebellious neighbors and fighting alongside the British. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025 There’s this rebellious spirit in the face of daily struggles. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 2 June 2025 The denim jacket serves as the collection’s statement piece, embodying the rebellious spirit of racing culture while maintaining the refined tailoring Maje is known for. Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 2 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 10 Jun. 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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