rebellious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rebellious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that shows defiance, or that goes against authority or rules. Example sentence: The rebellious students protested against their school's dress code.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zapotecs are notoriously rebellious.

The Guardian - Travel

Israel and Jordan have said Mr Assad must go but are loth to give wholehearted support to the rebels, as the Assad regime rains down shells and missiles on rebellious villages close to the border with Jordan.

The Economist

The football world doesn't like players who speak out, though.' Rebellious, maybe, but 'he was a lovely, lovely man', says Ince. 'We were probably closer than most people, me, Eric and Giggsy [Ryan Giggs].

The Guardian - Sport

He may believe that his own powers of persuasion can overcome decades of history; his rebellious MPs – especially after a Ukip kicking – may not agree.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most rational of the characters, Scott, by now pushing 25, plays Mary Astor's rebellious 19-year-old daughter who has run away from finishing school and fallen for a psychotic gambler (John Hodiak), who is obsessed with her mother, while his sidekick (Wendell Corey) is obsessed with him.

The Guardian - Film

Spacey powers the movie, not only sympathetic as the rebellious suburbanite but also very vulnerable.' New York Times A Bug's Life (1998) Spacey voices Hopper, the nasty, one-eyed leader of the grasshoppers.

The Guardian - Film

But one good reason why a ballet company should hire a choreographer from the rebellious world of modern dance is to stir up the mix.

The Guardian

Despite being our natural state, nudity is often rebellious and always remarkable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the new rebellious aesthetic, look out for brands such as Gosha Rubchinskiy and Tigran Avetisyan.

The Guardian

Compounding her plight was her rebellious nature, having never paid conventional homage to the film establishment and to gossip columnists Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper.

The Guardian - Film

Former West Wing star Lowe will play Father Jude, the Vatican's most rebellious priest who finds himself among a band of people who may – or may not – be the future of mankind, including an unhinged white supremacist, a germ-phobic cyber-terrorist, a mild-mannered bank manager and an American five-star general.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rebellious", ensure the context clearly indicates the authority or norm being defied. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "rebellious" as a generic descriptor of non-conformity. Instead, specify what the subject is rebelling against to provide a clearer and more impactful image.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rebellious" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing a quality of resistance or defiance against established authority, norms, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "rebellious" is widely used, particularly in news and media, to describe resistance against authority. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Related terms include "defiant", "insubordinate", and "unruly", each carrying nuanced implications. Best practices involve ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being defied. While common and versatile, avoid overuse without clear context to maintain clarity. Given its frequent appearance in reputable news sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "rebellious" remains a valuable descriptor for various situations where resistance or defiance is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defiant

Emphasizes open resistance or bold disobedience.

insubordinate

Focuses on the refusal to obey orders or respect authority.

mutinous

Suggests a collective revolt against leadership, often in a military context.

unruly

Describes a lack of discipline and difficulty in controlling behavior.

nonconformist

Highlights the rejection of prevailing social norms and expectations.

iconoclastic

Implies a challenge to established beliefs and institutions.

dissident

Indicates opposition to official policy or a dominant ideology.

restive

Suggests a restless or uneasy spirit, often leading to resistance.

contentious

Focuses on the tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

unsubmissive

Highlights a refusal to yield or surrender to authority.

FAQs

How to use "rebellious" in a sentence?

You can use "rebellious" to describe someone or something that resists authority or control. For example: "The "rebellious teenager" challenged every rule."

What can I say instead of "rebellious"?

Alternatives to "rebellious" include "defiant", "insubordinate", or "unruly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "rebellious" and "disobedient"?

"Rebellious" implies a broader resistance to authority or norms, while "disobedient" typically refers to failing to follow specific instructions or commands.

Is it okay to use "rebellious" in formal writing?

Yes, "rebellious" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing political or social movements. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation.