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
To spotlight a Mexican American pioneer who still stands proud in all the nuances of his identity feels necessarily defiant — especially in 2026.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
For the time being, Cuban leaders appeared unified and defiant in public.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Though the stakes are much, much higher than the average father-daughter argument, the scene between Zeus and Thalia also plays out like one that ends with a defiant teenager sent to their room.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026
Cassidy sounded a defiant note on Tuesday in a press call hosted by his reelection campaign just hours after Letlow launched her campaign.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
For the time being, Cuban leaders appeared unified and defiant in public.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Though the stakes are much, much higher than the average father-daughter argument, the scene between Zeus and Thalia also plays out like one that ends with a defiant teenager sent to their room.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026
Cassidy sounded a defiant note on Tuesday in a press call hosted by his reelection campaign just hours after Letlow launched her campaign.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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No surprise, then, that so much of their work is fearlessly modern, whether outspoken and rebellious or confessional and erotic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
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But Amy Madigan, who seemed like the rebellious, out-of-the-box pick for critics groups, made it into the hypercompetitive supporting actress category.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
22 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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Experts warn that the stubborn metric has long-term implications for learning.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Wait 10 minutes before washing for milder stains or up to a week for more severe or stubborn stains.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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