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
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone as negotiations proceeded Sunday.
—
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 May 2026
But an increasingly defiant Daisy has another idea.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
While Google has struck a defiant tone, internal backlash appears to be mounting, with several employees criticizing the deal publicly.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Machine washable, stain-defiant, and made from recycled materials.
—Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 May 2026
But an increasingly defiant Daisy has another idea.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
While Google has struck a defiant tone, internal backlash appears to be mounting, with several employees criticizing the deal publicly.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Machine washable, stain-defiant, and made from recycled materials.
—Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
-
Artist Sean Gordon Murphy has always had a rebellious indie streak to his work.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
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The Clash are singing of a city aflame, the Sex Pistols are somehow getting more popular after imploding on tour, and on every street corner, mohawks and safety pins are on rebellious display.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Authorities say Saturday’s attack was perpetrated by the Central General Staff, EMC, a rebel group under the command of infamous ex-FARC commander Ivan Mordisco.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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Colombia’s defense minister on Sunday said that kidnappings and lockdowns enforced by rebel groups on communities had decreased in Cauca over the past year because of the government's actions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Abby, how does one work with stubborn husbands?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Ahead, Katie Sullivan, the director of issue communications at the American Cleaning Institute, shares the best way to remove sticky, greasy residue from pot lids, at-home solutions for tackling even the most stubborn residue, and the one mistake to avoid that can make cleanup more difficult.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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