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
This tale of a rebellious unemployed mouse has already won a Goya.
—
Kevin Giraud, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
The film explores the iconic partnership between Fonteyn, a 42-year-old prima ballerina and Britain’s most famous dancer, and Rudolf Nureyev, the 23-year-old rebellious Soviet defector who became her partner on stage (and, it was rumored, off it as well).
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
When the skyscraper where Rayburn and his family lives is destroyed in an explosion, Creasy attempts to regain his military prowess in his determination to protect Rayburn’s rebellious teen daughter Poe (Billie Boullet), who has been targeted by the terrorists.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, love planet Venus and rebellious Uranus stir the pot behind the scenes, adding a layer of surprise to love, money and desire.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
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Kevin Giraud, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
The film explores the iconic partnership between Fonteyn, a 42-year-old prima ballerina and Britain’s most famous dancer, and Rudolf Nureyev, the 23-year-old rebellious Soviet defector who became her partner on stage (and, it was rumored, off it as well).
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
When the skyscraper where Rayburn and his family lives is destroyed in an explosion, Creasy attempts to regain his military prowess in his determination to protect Rayburn’s rebellious teen daughter Poe (Billie Boullet), who has been targeted by the terrorists.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, love planet Venus and rebellious Uranus stir the pot behind the scenes, adding a layer of surprise to love, money and desire.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rebellious
Cite this Entry
“Rebellious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebellious. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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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