defiance
noun
de·fi·ance
di-ˈfī-ən(t)s 
dē-
Phrases
in defiance of
: contrary to : despite
seemingly in defiance of the laws of physics
He returned to the pulpit May 22 in defiance of an order by church leaders banning him from television preaching for one year.—
Daniel E. Kubiske
Daniel E. KubiskeExamples of defiance in a Sentence
any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences
the troubled youth seems to have an ingrained defiance to authority of any sort
Recent Examples on the Web
That record of defiance in the face of threats to his freedom and safety alone would be astonishing, but the work itself, shot in secret, has also been fascinating — slippery, introspective, daring, and unbearably moving.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Despite his public defiance, the court’s ruling marks a significant financial and legal defeat for the rapper, as the sale of his home is expected to partially satisfy the judgment against him.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 May 2025
In a show of defiance, some even cut their hair at the protests.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
However, the votes come in defiance of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog that sometimes issues legal opinions.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
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Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Despite his public defiance, the court’s ruling marks a significant financial and legal defeat for the rapper, as the sale of his home is expected to partially satisfy the judgment against him.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 May 2025
In a show of defiance, some even cut their hair at the protests.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
However, the votes come in defiance of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog that sometimes issues legal opinions.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiance. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
defiance
noun
de·fi·ance
di-ˈfī-ən(t)s
1
: the act or an instance of defying : challenge
2
: a tendency to resist : contempt of opposition
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