View synonyms for rebellious

rebellious

[ ri-bel-yuhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

defying or resisting some established authority, government, or tradition; insubordinate; inclined to rebel.
Synonyms: contumacious, disobedient, refractory, rebel, seditious, mutinous, insurgent, defiant
pertaining to or characteristic of rebels or rebellion.
(of things) resisting treatment; refractory.

rebellious

/ rɪˈbɛljəs /

adjective

showing a tendency towards rebellion
(of a problem, etc) difficult to overcome; refractory

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Derived Forms

reˈbelliousness, noun
reˈbelliously, adverb

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Other Word Forms

re·bellious·ly adverb
re·bellious·ness noun
half-re·bellious adjective
half-re·bellious·ly adverb
half-re·bellious·ness noun
nonre·bellious adjective
nonre·bellious·ly adverb
nonre·bellious·ness noun
quasi-re·bellious adjective
quasi-re·bellious·ly adverb
semi·re·bellious adjective
semi·re·bellious·ly adverb
semi·re·bellious·ness noun
unre·bellious adjective
unre·bellious·ly adverb
unre·bellious·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rebellious¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Even right now, everything with the young males being taught these super conservative ways, at least in America: everything is shifting with this rebellious, hyper-masculine thing,” he told Paper.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 20th century, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson each used it three times, most often to protect the civil rights of Black Americans against “rebellious” segregationists.

From Salon

A theatrical production about the rebellious, unofficial England side that competed in the 1971 Women's World Cup was "coming home", its playwright said.

From BBC

They, too, pretend to be some kind of rebellious, anti-globalist resistance, fighting the evil Western empire, reclaiming sovereignty, rejecting the corrupt elites.

From Salon

Her soprano voice shows such control and dynamic range as she transitions from soft, vulnerable moments to rebellious growls in anger against the Wizard.

From Salon