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

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

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

Harry was at one time among Britain's most popular royals -- a military and charity trailblazer with the fiery red hair and rebellious streak.

From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026

But the pansexual Lestat de Lioncourt transformed them into rebellious, romantic figures, the stuff of adolescent FOMO, as opposed to decaying ghouls.

From Salon ● Jun. 13, 2026

He’s the most rebellious musician of all time, I think.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 25, 2026

Now many are pushing a more brash, rebellious, bro vibe, and their admirers and customers are buying in.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 19, 2026

He had the gift of tapping into the rebellious streak of a kid like Jesse while simultaneously curbing and channeling it.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Related Words

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