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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
The remaining leaders of the Maduro regime were defiant.
—
Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
The song, which reclaims a derogatory term for Venezuelan female migrants, was interpreted as defiant and irritated the Venezuelan president, then facing widespread reports of electoral fraud.
—Leonor C. Suárez, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
Maduro's allies struck a defiant tone in video messages.
—Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 4 Jan. 2026
Trump’s remarks contrasted with the defiant tone from government officials in Venezuela Saturday morning.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
The song, which reclaims a derogatory term for Venezuelan female migrants, was interpreted as defiant and irritated the Venezuelan president, then facing widespread reports of electoral fraud.
—Leonor C. Suárez, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
Maduro's allies struck a defiant tone in video messages.
—Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 4 Jan. 2026
Trump’s remarks contrasted with the defiant tone from government officials in Venezuela Saturday morning.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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This vibe continues to be brought to you courtesy of your co-ruling planet, rebellious Uranus, moving into your fifth house of self-expression on April 25, empowering you to lean fully into your penchant for unconventionality and incorporating the element of surprise in your personal style.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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But very soon, that could be rebellious Venezuelan locals seeking to protect their path to democratic sovereignty and resist foreign interference.—
Anthony Dominguez,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In December 2002, the MPCI joined forces with two other rebel factions to form the New Forces of Ivory Coast (FNCI).—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Two men are targeted by the rebel army who overthrew the government of Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
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The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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