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.
Kimmel, meanwhile, has defiantly maintained his criticism of the president and his policies since Jimmy Kimmel Live returned to air. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025 That same month, Jon Stewart, the show’s part-time host and executive producer, commented defiantly on the rumors, albeit with a hint of uncertainty. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025 The new record is almost defiantly curious, searching rather than authoritative. Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025 Fickell was asked about this report after the game on Saturday and defiantly denied it. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 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 23 Nov. 2025.

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