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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

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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 The surge in Iran's VPN usage, however, is in defiance of a 2024 ban on the use of VPNs in Iran without a permit. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 June 2025 The synesthesia, blooming with defiance, is a contradiction to traditional florals. Essence, 16 June 2025 At the same time, a spirit of defiance is spreading across social media. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025 Durant turns 37 in September but averaged 26.6 points this season in a LeBron-esque defiance of time. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for defiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiance
Noun
  • The third season opens in the wake of the deadly rebellion depicted in the Season 2 finale, which left Jung-Bae and many of Gi-hun’s allies dead.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Still, youthful rebellion in virtual reality looks great and the concept of online escapes resonates in an increasingly intense real world.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The issue passed with opposition from Republicans and 18 skeptical Democrats in the House but with relatively little public outcry.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
  • While progressives in the lead-up to the military action had staked out clear opposition to Trump’s potential intervention, the party leadership played the safer ground of insisting on a role for Congress before any use of force.
    Adriana Gomez Licon, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Omar Havana/Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally approved the creation of a special international tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression tied to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
  • There is no statute of limitation on the crime of aggression.
    Molly Quell, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • If the Senate declines to act, the administration must release the funds—but bipartisan resistance suggests the plan could face major hurdles.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Under these circumstances, the sole measure is the legitimacy of resistance itself.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Reports have indicated that Punk had the option to turn down performing at the event but did not voice any objections.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • If leaders moved ahead without altering the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Fu also singled out Israel and called for efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • The News Gulf nations expressed concern about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, but largely sidestepped blaming Washington for the strikes.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite the disrespect, the Packers' head coach is simply focused on winning.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Will the Ruska Roma turn on one of its own for disobedience?
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2025
  • Alleging disobedience, among other claimed doctrinal infractions, the OCA excommunicated the Homyks and longtime parish council leader Priscilla Rivera.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiance. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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