defiance

noun

di-ˈfī-ən(t)s How to pronounce defiance (audio)
Definition of defiancenext
1
as in rebellion
refusal to obey any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel a deeply troubled person who seemed the very soul of defiance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of defiance Her decision to so publicly criticize him was a rare instance of GOP defiance, especially in her district, which Trump carried by more than a dozen points two years ago. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 This defiance can be thought of as a refusal to feel shame—or, at least, as the confidence to believe that the shamers are wrong. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026 This, itself, is the ultimate act of defiance in the face of America’s neverending frontier. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Scott is himself a celebrated London Hamlet, here playing a man whose Hamlet was his last act of defiance. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiance
  1. rebellion
  2. opposition
  3. aggression
  4. willfulness
  5. resistance
  6. aggressiveness
  7. rebelliousness
  8. objection
Noun
  • To pair the piece with Celine’s more tailored pieces like the trousers and blouse added a tonal contrast that still executed on its luxury aesthetic, though with a touch of rebellion.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • These layered styles exuded rebellion and were made famous around the globe by figures like Joan Jett.
    — María Diez, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of rebellion
Noun
  • The massive warehouse campuses generating energy for AI projects have drawn bipartisan opposition, with voters concerned about their impact on electricity prices, farmland and water supplies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Even these changes, though, would face years of fierce opposition from people with the resources to fight them while the public’s attention inevitably flagged.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposition
Noun
  • Saturday's vote came as the small republic on NATO’s eastern flank contends with growing concern about potential Russian aggression.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • For all their talent, the defining feature of London City Lionesses is their aggression without possession.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • From grandmother to grandchild, these three sets of two sisters were powerful characters possessed with passion, willfulness, bravery, and devotion to each other.
    — Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of willfulness
Noun
  • However, further Houthi offensives have met stiffer resistance from the recuperated forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, depriving the group of another quick victory.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • When those in power try to silence our calls for liberation, art will always be a form of resistance.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of resistance
Noun
  • Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • Whether writing five decades ago or today, the genre’s most insightful commentators have always observed how punk fuses rebelliousness with commodification, capitalism with resistance.
    — Kyle Devine, Longreads, 14 July 2026
  • Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.
    — Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
Definition of rebelliousness
Noun
  • Douglas Stewart Carter, 71, was let out on bail late Monday over objections from the victim's family.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Martinez-Olguin found no reason to reject the settlement based on their objections.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of objection

Phrases Containing defiance

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defer (to)
defiance
defiances
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Cite this Entry

“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiance. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defiance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about defiance

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