as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
This many unproven arms feels like a defiant dare shouted by someone staring into the eyes of a baseball god.
—
Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
His crackdown has more than a few similarities with a military invasion of some cities, his roundups have left immigrant communities cowering and their neighbors defiant.
—Phil Elliott, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
In an era where concert tickets often rival the cost of a mortgage payment, Kevin Lyman stands as a defiant anomaly.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite the crackdown, many civic groups continue to issue defiant statements.
—ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
His crackdown has more than a few similarities with a military invasion of some cities, his roundups have left immigrant communities cowering and their neighbors defiant.
—Phil Elliott, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
In an era where concert tickets often rival the cost of a mortgage payment, Kevin Lyman stands as a defiant anomaly.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite the crackdown, many civic groups continue to issue defiant statements.
—ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
-
The brand cultivates a fun, rebellious, and inclusive culture.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Your 11th House of Friendship hosts Venus, who squares rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources, pushing group plans against changing costs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tutu, the new documentary from Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI, 4 Little Girls), is a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the smiling, joyous rebel clergyman who helped end Apartheid.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
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But Koch wasn’t Ogden’s only rebel influence.—
Bill Donahue,
Outside,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One person refuses to bow — not an army, not a revolution, one stubborn Jew minding his own business — and Haman cannot function.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on stubborn areas.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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