1
as in rebellion
refusal to obey
any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposition
the inclination to resist
the troubled youth seems to have an ingrained defiance to authority of any sort
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
a deeply troubled person who seemed the very soul of defiance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiance
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Sunday that comments from U.S. officials about the Arctic island have been disrespectful and that the island cannot be purchased, in defiance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly floated the idea of buying the strategic territory.
—
Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Several restaurants still offered foie gras on their menus in defiance of the new ordinance.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025
Austin's rebellious character and his constant defiance of McMahon's authority captivated audiences and produced many memorable moments, including the beer truck and Zamboni incidents, as well as the destruction of McMahon's Corvette.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Several restaurants still offered foie gras on their menus in defiance of the new ordinance.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025
Austin's rebellious character and his constant defiance of McMahon's authority captivated audiences and produced many memorable moments, including the beer truck and Zamboni incidents, as well as the destruction of McMahon's Corvette.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiance
Noun
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For the dandy, fashion was a vehicle for both self-expression and a subtle form of rebellion against societal norms.—
Ty Gaskins,
Vogue,
29 Apr. 2025
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Read more Original 'Star Wars' Screening For First Time in 47 Years Every Major Announcement at Star Wars Celebration 'Andor' Star Diego Luna Was Almost Arrested For Carrying Star Wars Blaster How Did Andor's Season 1 End? Season 1 ended with a surge of rebellion.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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These practices pose serious health risks to local communities, degrade ecosystems, and fuel a loop of regulatory opposition, community discontent, and reputational backlash.—
Ken Katz,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
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Organizers say the protests will center on opposition to President Donald Trump and billionaire supporters, including Elon Musk, who has led the Department of Government Efficiency's slashing of the federal workforce.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The Workplace Bully Forget the Hollywood version — the red-faced screamer, the open aggression bully.—
Jason Walker PsyD,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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That means reducing aggression, agitation, and sleep disturbances.—
Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The subtle but notable act of resistance comes just months after Trump cleaned house at the Kennedy Center, installing himself as chairman and close ally Richard Grenell as interim president.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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Signature details of the watch include a radiant purple mother-of-pearl dial, 300 meters of water resistance, and the Oris Red Rotor all-mechanical movement.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
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But the reality is that Mr. Dixon had asked his supervisor about the hire and was told that there were no objections.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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One woman shouted her objections from her seat in the balcony.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And this all matches the public’s general hostility to higher rates of immigration to the US over the last few years — which according to Gallup data, seems to still be the case.—
Christian Paz,
Vox,
2 May 2025
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Trump has pressed both sides to quickly come to a war-ending agreement, but while Zelenskyy agreed to an American plan for an initial 30-day halt to hostilities, Russia has not signed on and has continued to strike at targets inside Ukraine.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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April 21, 2025 Regardless of one’s position on the war in Ukraine, the president has shown a stunning disrespect for a world leader, an unprecedented bow to Russia’s leader, and a complete disregard for diplomacy.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
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The vice president accused Ukraine's leader of showing disrespect to the president and of insufficient gratitude to the U.S. for its help.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The one who escalated the disobedience was the company under the direct command of its largest shareholder.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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Alleging disobedience, among other claimed doctrinal infractions, the OCA excommunicated the Homyks and longtime parish council leader Rivera.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiance. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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