rebellious
ruh-BEH-lee-uhs
Rebellious (adj) means defying or resisting authority; inclined to rebel. Example: “The rebellious teenager refused to follow any of the house rules.”
adj
1
Defying or resisting authority; inclined to rebel.
"The rebellious teenager refused to follow any of the house rules."
"A rebellious streak in the colony eventually led to open revolt."
How to use rebellious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFighting against rules, authority, or expectations.
Common pairings
a rebellious teenager
a rebellious streak
rebellious troops
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more rebellious
- Superlative
- most rebellious
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ teenager refused to follow any of the house rules.
Etymology
From Middle English rebellious, built on rebel plus the adjective ending -ious.
Synonyms
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disaffected
malcontent
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rebellious
See all rhymes for rebellious →Frequently asked questions
What does “rebellious” mean?
The word “rebellious” means defying or resisting authority; inclined to rebel. In plain terms, fighting against rules, authority, or expectations.
How do you pronounce “rebellious”?
“Rebellious” is pronounced ruh-BEH-lee-uhs (/ɹəˈbɛliəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “rebellious” in a sentence?
Here is “rebellious” used in a sentence: “The rebellious teenager refused to follow any of the house rules.”
What is the opposite of “rebellious”?
The opposite of “rebellious” — its antonyms — is docile.
What part of speech is “rebellious”?
“Rebellious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rebellious” come from?
The word “rebellious” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rebellious, built on rebel plus the adjective ending -ious.
Is “rebellious” a common word?
“Rebellious” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
