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
The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
How An Ocean Apart is different: The rebellious main character is secretly competing to break his heart and steal his money.
—Rebecca Dazenbaker, People.com, 15 July 2025
The juxtaposition between the two was striking — Dylan's enigmatic presence and a voice that felt rebellious even now, followed by Willie's warm, familiar embrace.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
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Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
How An Ocean Apart is different: The rebellious main character is secretly competing to break his heart and steal his money.
—Rebecca Dazenbaker, People.com, 15 July 2025
The juxtaposition between the two was striking — Dylan's enigmatic presence and a voice that felt rebellious even now, followed by Willie's warm, familiar embrace.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 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 29 Jul. 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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