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
That can mean embracing more color and shimmer, and being unapologetic, even defiant, through makeup.
—
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
The applause after the final whistle on Tuesday night and the defiant chants of an appreciative Kop spoke to a gutsy performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
If Miller made Willy the embodiment of self-delusion, and Biff the defiant, angry forsaking of those delusions, Linda is compassion as byproduct of insight.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
But these defiant drag houses offered safety, acceptance and glamour which were celebrated in these urban spaces.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
The applause after the final whistle on Tuesday night and the defiant chants of an appreciative Kop spoke to a gutsy performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
If Miller made Willy the embodiment of self-delusion, and Biff the defiant, angry forsaking of those delusions, Linda is compassion as byproduct of insight.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
But these defiant drag houses offered safety, acceptance and glamour which were celebrated in these urban spaces.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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The temperamental Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, forming a supportive trine to rebellious Uranus in your 7th House of Companions.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The series picks up 15 years after the finale of The Handmaid's Tale, and follows Agnes and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a rebellious newcomer.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In December 2024, a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham swept through the country with stunning speed, toppling the Assad regime that had ruled Syria since 1970.—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
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In a message Monday on X, Sánchez said that so far there were no signs indicating that the plane was attacked by rebel groups that operate near Puerto Leguizamo.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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More than a day later, firefighters remained on scene to douse stubborn hotspots.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
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Use a cooktop scraper or soft sponge to remove stubborn residue while the cooktop is still warm for easier cleaning.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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