Meaning & use

rebellious

adjective·Everyday

Resisting or defying authority, control, or convention.

See it in a sentence

The rebellious teenager refused to follow the school's strict dress code.

A rebellious streak in the colonies eventually led to the war for independence.

A note on using this word

Rebellious can describe a single act of defiance or a lasting personality trait, especially common when describing teenagers.

Words with a similar meaning

defiantinsubordinatedisobedient

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

obedientcompliant

Make it your own

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