rebellious

American  

[ri-bel-yuhs] / rɪˈbɛl yəs /

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

Etymology

Origin of rebellious

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

This is a rebellious, empathetic adventure story about a grandmother who catches on that her society needs to learn how to think freely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“It felt riskier, kind of rebellious to do that, but it ended up looking great and feeling really good too for her,” said Tolles about leaning into the room’s darkness.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

In an interview with the BBC's Mark Savage in 2024, she described Chappell as a "larger-than-life, drag queen version of myself", who allows her to be rebellious and risqué.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

His character, rebellious first-year Robbie Wright, was in the show until 1989.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Or maybe he’s expecting his little rebellious Caroline tonight.

From "Hurricane Child" by Kheryn Callender

Related Words

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