as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
The elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei to the mantle of supreme leader brings to Iran’s top job a hard-line figure who is most firmly his father’s son in charting a defiant path for the country.
—
Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Iran has remained defiant and announced Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will become the next supreme leader, after his father was killed last weekend.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
While defiant behavior in teenagers can happen for many different reasons, underlying insecurity is certainly among them.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Tehran has reportedly sought negotiations after the conflict erupted, although its leaders have publicly remained defiant.
—semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Iran has remained defiant and announced Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will become the next supreme leader, after his father was killed last weekend.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
While defiant behavior in teenagers can happen for many different reasons, underlying insecurity is certainly among them.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Tehran has reportedly sought negotiations after the conflict erupted, although its leaders have publicly remained defiant.
—semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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For Jean, Judge’s visit to Annecy is a momentous occasion that reflects the Festival’s determination to highlight the dynamism, social relevance and rebellious audacity of American adult animation series.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
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Like most of us, FIG shed its more rebellious tendencies over time.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The rebel group said that the attack killed three people, but the number couldn't be immediately confirmed.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
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The rebel group said that the attack killed three people, but the number couldn’t be immediately confirmed.—
Ruth Alonga,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Early connections should feel easier as affectionate Venus forms a supportive sextile with intense Pluto, encouraging us to handle stubborn issues with honest talks and practical teamwork.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
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Spend less time focusing on prep and cleaning and more time focusing on the food with our favorite kitchen tools, which can make poached eggs in minutes, reseal bags of ingredients, open stubborn jars, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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