Definitions

rebellious

[ri-bel-yuhs] / rɪˈbɛl yəs /

ADJECTIVE

disobedient, unmanageable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alienated disaffected fractious recalcitrant restless turbulent unruly warring

WEAK

anarchistic attacking bellicose contumacious defiant difficult disloyal disobedient disorderly dissident factious iconoclastic incorrigible individualistic insurgent insurrectionary intractable mutinous obstinate pugnacious quarrelsome radical rebel refractory resistant revolutionary rioting riotous sabotaging seditious threatening treasonable ungovernable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

happy obedient

WEAK

compliant governable manageable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Named after the Roman numerals of its rebellious 54-hole concept, LIV certainly managed to disrupt the status quo.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

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

“Then suddenly, this burst on the scene in January,” more rebellious than ever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

My mind could find no answer and I would feel rebellious against all life.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

Vocabulary lists containing rebellious

List 7

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Fighting Words: Belli and Milit

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Tears of a Tiger

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