1
as in rebellion
refusal to obey
any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
The Education Department’s demand that K-12 districts and state officials certify their schools are free of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is being met with open defiance from blue states and open arms by red ones.
—
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025
In the well of the U.S. Senate, Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, delivered a historic twenty-five-hour speech in defiance of Trump’s agenda, electrifying a party whose spirit had begun to ebb.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Arrested and forcibly removed, Colvin was full of righteous defiance.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
And yet, the core of the brand—the audacity, the punk defiance, the challenge to authority—remains intact.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025
In the well of the U.S. Senate, Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, delivered a historic twenty-five-hour speech in defiance of Trump’s agenda, electrifying a party whose spirit had begun to ebb.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Arrested and forcibly removed, Colvin was full of righteous defiance.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
And yet, the core of the brand—the audacity, the punk defiance, the challenge to authority—remains intact.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiance
Noun
-
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
-
The story finds Plutarch Heavensbee — a future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader — in District 12, for the reaping of tributes.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Kehlani has also used their social media to indicate opposition to Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip and ongoing military campaign there, as well as to call out other musicians for being silent on the issue.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
McGovern is best remembered today for his prescient opposition to the Vietnam War and his landslide loss in the 1972 presidential election.—
Made by History,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Workplace Bully Forget the Hollywood version — the red-faced screamer, the open aggression bully.—
Jason Walker PsyD,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
That means reducing aggression, agitation, and sleep disturbances.—
Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Chromium uses chemicals to preserve the animal's skin, and offers more water and heat resistance for the leather products it's applied to.—
Gia Yetikyel,
Vogue,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Family members, including fathers and siblings, often deliver short speeches on camera, focused on themes of resistance and ongoing conflict.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
When expectant fathers face hostility or subtle exclusion at work, the consequences can extend beyond their own careers.—
Kim Elsesser,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Questions were raised over Putin’s motives in calling the brief halt to hostilities, which came just after the Trump administration threatened to abandon peace efforts without tangible signs of progress.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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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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
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Outright disobedience is exceedingly rare.—
Hurubie Meko,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiance. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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