defiantly

adverb

de·​fi·​ant·​ly di-ˈfī-ənt-lē How to pronounce defiantly (audio)
dē-
: in a defiant manner : in a way that is full of or shows a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight
She spoke out defiantly against the proposed law.
As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.Jonathan Alter
Though restrained, the women do not lack independence, and they wag their tongues as defiantly as ever.Jason Farago

Examples of defiantly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bain snatched the hat but marched defiantly straight to the stage to greet Goodell. Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026 But Iran has pushed back defiantly against that key demand. Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026 These days there’s a much sharper scene, but one that remains defiantly independent. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 The pioneering alt-country band returns with its first album in 30 years—a set of cryptic, languid dirges that feels defiantly out-of-time. Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiantly

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defiantly was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Defiantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiantly. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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