Definition of: rebellious

(ri·bel′yəs) adjective
1. Being in a state of rebellion; insubordinate.
2. Of or pertaining to a rebel or rebellion.
3. Resisting control; refractory: rebellious curls.
—re·bel′lious·ly adverb
—re·bel′lious·ness noun Synonyms: contumacious, disobedient, insubordinate, intractable, mutinous, refractory, seditious, uncontrollable, ungovernable, unmanageable. Ungovernable applies to that which successfully defies authority and power; unmanageable to that which resists the utmost exercise of skill or of skill and power combined; rebellious to that which is defiant of authority, whether successfully or unsuccessfully; seditious to that which partakes of or tends to excite a rebellious spirit, seditious suggesting more of covert plan, scheming, or conspiracy, rebellious more of overt act or open violence. While the unmanageable or ungovernable defies control, the rebellious or seditious may be forced to submission. Insubordinate applies to the disposition to resist and resent control as such; mutinous, to open defiance of authority, especially in the army, navy, or merchant marine. A contumacious act or spirit is contemptuous as well as defiant. See RESTIVE, TURBULENT. Compare OBSTINATE, REVOLUTION. Antonyms: compliant, controllable, deferential, docile, dutiful, manageable, obedient, submissive, subservient, tractable, yielding.