Quick answer
Rebellious means showing resistance to authority, rules, or control; inclined to rebel. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Rebellious
Rebellious describes someone or something that is showing resistance to authority, rules, or control; inclined to rebel. It belongs to speech, noise, and verbal nonsense and works best in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
speechnoiseverbal-nonsense
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is rebellious, it is showing resistance to authority, rules, or control; inclined to rebel. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Rebellious feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Rebellious is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Rebellious is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively rebellious.
- One rebellious remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a rebellious uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His rebellious tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is rebellious.
When should you use this word?
Use rebellious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
Similar words
anarchic, babble, bellow, blather, bloviate
Opposite or contrasting words
calm, clarity, order
Common questions
- What does rebellious mean? showing resistance to authority, rules, or control; inclined to rebel.
- How do you pronounce rebellious? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is rebellious still used today? Rebellious is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use rebellious? Use rebellious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
- What words are similar to rebellious? Similar words include anarchic, babble, bellow, and blather.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.