rebellious

American  

[ri-bel-yuhs] / rɪˈbɛl jəs /

adjective

1. defying or resisting some established authority, government, or tradition; insubordinate; inclined to rebel.

   Synonyms:

   contumacious, disobedient, refractory, rebel, seditious, mutinous, insurgent, defiant

2. pertaining to or characteristic of rebels or rebellion.

3. (of things) resisting treatment; refractory.

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rebellious British  

/ rɪˈbɛljəs /

adjective

1. showing a tendency towards rebellion

2. (of a problem, etc) difficult to overcome; refractory

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Usage

What does rebellious mean? Rebellious is an adjective that describes someone who resists or defies rules. Someone who acts in such a way can be called a rebel. However, the word rebel can also be used to refer to a revolutionary trying to overthrow a government. Such actions can be described as rebellious, but rebellious is much more commonly used to describe people or actions that break the rules, resist authority, or otherwise challenge the status quo. It’s especially applied to teenagers who act this way. The noun rebelliousness refers to such behavior. The noun rebellion can refer to this, but it’s also used to refer to an attempt to overthrow a government (rebelliousness isn’t typically used this way.)Example: Danielle was labeled rebellious for refusing to wear her uniform to school.

Other Word Forms

• half-rebelliousness
  noun
• nonrebelliousness
  noun
• rebelliousness
  noun
• semirebelliousness
  noun
• unrebelliousness
  noun
• half-rebellious
  adjective
• nonrebellious
  adjective
• quasi-rebellious
  adjective
• semirebellious
  adjective
• unrebellious
  adjective
• half-rebelliously
  adverb
• nonrebelliously
  adverb
• quasi-rebelliously
  adverb
• rebelliously
  adverb
• semirebelliously
  adverb
• unrebelliously
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of rebellious

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin rebelliōsus, from Latin rebelli(ō) “war renewal, revolt” ( see rebellion) + -ōsus -ous

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Explanation

A rebellious person likes to challenge authority and break the rules every now and then. A really rebellious group tries to overthrow the government. Being rebellious is part of the American character. If the colonies hadn't been rebellious enough to rebel against England, there would be no United States. Large groups of people can be rebellious, but so can individuals. A student who talks back to the teacher is being rebellious. An employee who ignores a dress code is being rebellious. Anywhere there's an authority, someone is probably acting rebellious toward it.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rebellious

"It's a double-edged sword, the same rebellious nature that got me in trouble, is the same rebellious nature that helps me get through the shame," Doshi said.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

I have my classical musician roots at my core, but my punk, rebellious exterior adds a cherry on top.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

It isn’t unusual for college students to be rebellious and then change when they get older.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

"The 1851 memoir, by contrast, was a spiritual redemption story, with Byfield tracing his progress from rebellious sinner to devout and repentant Christian."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

Volpe began to dabble in somewhat edgier fare, beginning with Pippin, a dark and existential musical inspired by the story of Charlemagne’s rebellious son.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

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Related Words

• alienated
• disaffected
• fractious
• recalcitrant
• restless
• turbulent
• unruly
• warring

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