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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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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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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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 recent stock market advance has been impressive in its defiance of major concerns, as a bullish consensus takes shape on Wall Street. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 The device's user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Instead of crumbling in defeat, Rivera roared back with defiance. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 No wonder the new York head coach cut quite the forlorn figure on the touchline during the closing exchanges, even allowing for his post-match words of defiance for the boo boys. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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
  • The second book, Shift, consists of alternating flashback sequences, telling both the origin story of the silos and tales from past rebellions.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
  • After a prolonged siege and fighting, the British recaptured Delhi and brutally suppressed the rebellion.
    — Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebellion
Noun
  • The midfielder is a clever front-foot defender, capable of an early tackle or interception to halt opposition momentum.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In August 2022, little more than two months before the vote that returned him to power, the then-opposition leader published another number and invited Israelis to video call him.
    — Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of opposition
Noun
  • The regime’s final refuge now lies in the self-deception of fearful nations that still believe accommodating aggression can secure a durable peace.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lastly, Harford County Animal Control urges residents to notify them at 410-638-3505 if anyone observes a stray animal showing signs of excessive affection, aggression, lethargy, or disorientation.
    — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • 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
  • Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.
    — Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of willfulness
Noun
  • As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The stock also cleared minor resistance from late July near $71, which now becomes initial support.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of resistance
Noun
  • This could bring up feelings of resentment, competitiveness or passive aggressiveness, especially if there’s been something simmering in the background.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Angels swung early and often, and Cameron utilized their aggressiveness to his advantage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 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
  • Nobody had raised objections, not because everyone agreed, but because nobody had been invited to express a different point of view.
    — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Badger needed 17 yes votes from the County Board members to proceed because Homer Glen filed a legal objection to the plan.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defiance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about defiance

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