REBELLIOUS

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rebellious mean? 

• REBELLIOUS (adjective)
  The adjective REBELLIOUS has 3 senses:

1. resisting control or authority

2. discontented as toward authority

3. participating in organized resistance to a constituted government

  Familiarity information: REBELLIOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• REBELLIOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Resisting control or authority

Context example:

a rebellious crew

Similar:

insubordinate (not submissive to authority)

Derivation:

rebellion (refusal to accept some authority or code or convention)

rebelliousness (an insubordinate act)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Discontented as toward authority

Synonyms:

disaffected; ill-affected; malcontent; rebellious

Similar:

discontent; discontented (showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing)

Derivation:

rebellion (organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another)

rebellion (refusal to accept some authority or code or convention)

rebelliousness (intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Participating in organized resistance to a constituted government

Context example:

the rebelling confederacy

Similar:

disloyal (deserting your allegiance or duty to leader or cause or principle)

Derivation:

rebellion (organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another)

rebelliousness (an insubordinate act)

 Context examples 

“I am to lie,” she said in steady, rebellious tones, “by speech and action to lie.”

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

"Good for you, Jo! Did you do it on your own responsibility?" asked Laurie, as he seated her in the hall chair and took off the rebellious boots, seeing how her hands shook.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Now that you have independent and somewhat rebellious Uranus in your third house of communication, you are showing that you are also skilled with language and analytical left-brain talents.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

In his company, my first business was to go to that part of the coast where my rebellious crew had ordered me to be set on shore.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

Silver was the captain, and a mighty rebellious crew he had of it.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

He has a sullen, rebellious spirit; a violent temper; and an untoward, intractable disposition.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

His voice was passionately rebellious.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

I thought you hated to be tied to a woman's apron string? retorted Jo, quoting certain rebellious words of his own.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I saw Uriah watch her while she greeted us; and he reminded me of an ugly and rebellious genie watching a good spirit.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

"Poor little man, he's worn out with sleep and crying. I'll cover him up, and then go and set Meg's heart at rest," thought John, creeping to the bedside, hoping to find his rebellious heir asleep.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)