in defiance of

phrase

: 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

Examples of in defiance of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In July, a fragile 2022 truce between the Houthis and the government fell apart after the group welcomed an Iranian plane to Sanaa in defiance of Riyadh's control over Yemeni airspace, setting off a spate of attacks. — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously signaled that the White House is cautious about pushing too hard in defiance of the bond market—even if a hold or a hike in the base rate is politically unpalatable. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

Accuracy in Media also conducted a similar operation at Washburn University in Topeka, alleging that the college was in defiance of a state ban on diversity initiatives. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

His administration has responded by slow-walking city licensing in defiance of the council’s legal mandate. — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in defiance of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove