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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
The visual subtext is also defiant and uncompromising – notice the two stars on the throne and the AFCON trophy being protected by the Teranga Lions?
—
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Raja grew out of those communities, shaped by a new, defiant generation navigating the pressures of colonial rule and rapid urban change.
—Radier Odhiambo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2026
Bondi, who arrived Friday morning for her interview, was defiant in previous public testimony when she was confronted by lawmakers about the Epstein investigation.
—Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The witty, defiant, democratic Ukraine of the embassy accounts was the same Ukraine that journalists and diplomats and refugees and weapons inspectors all found on the ground.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Raja grew out of those communities, shaped by a new, defiant generation navigating the pressures of colonial rule and rapid urban change.
—Radier Odhiambo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2026
Bondi, who arrived Friday morning for her interview, was defiant in previous public testimony when she was confronted by lawmakers about the Epstein investigation.
—Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The witty, defiant, democratic Ukraine of the embassy accounts was the same Ukraine that journalists and diplomats and refugees and weapons inspectors all found on the ground.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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Your 8th House of Shared Resources shifts as the moody Moon moves there, opposing rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2026
-
In a culture obsessed with self-improvement, doing something badly and privately can feel almost rebellious.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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Although the country saw a break in violence between rebel groups and the government in the 10 years since the historic agreement between guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) and the government, criminal gang activity is rising.—
Sebastian Jimenez,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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Attacks in the region by the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group allied with the militant organization Islamic State, and a coalition of ethnic militias have also hindered the response.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Grab a melamine sponge and get rid of stubborn bathtub stains in a jiffy.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 June 2026
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If the Avs remain stubborn and play a style that suits their stars in the regular season, MacKinnon might win another title, but will be at the end of his career with another team.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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