DEFIANT Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

defiant

adjective

di-ˈfī-ənt

Definition of defiant

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football

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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 defiant His music was defiant and bombastic, and critics and fans alike regarded him as a kind of pop messiah. — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026 Oil ticked higher after Iran’s president delivered a defiant speech at the UN, stirring inflation fears. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026 The full moon in Aries unites with defiant Uranus retrograde in Gemini, dreamy Neptune retrograde in Aries, and evocative Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026 As a result, Brown has positioned himself as someone who has stayed defiant in the face of those who would unfairly try to bring him down. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant

Adjective

The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Now, Pugh has entered the chat with the most rebellious version yet.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

Quarterback Jim McMahon wore a headband and adopted a rebel stance while Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton led a powerful attack.

— Ira Kaufman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

Earlier, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller suggested that more interest rate rises may be needed to tackle stubborn inflation, which has stayed above the Fed's 2% target for more than five years.

— Hugh Leask,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
The apparent disconnect between a recovery in oil supply and stubborn fuel prices has drawn attention from analysts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Browse Nearby Words

defiances

defiant

deficiencies

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“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defiant

adjective

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