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
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The print feels preppy, aspirational, and rebellious all at once.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
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Quentin Bisch created both Cuir 1976, blending textured leather with the velvety softness of marron glacé, and Musc Terrible, which nods to the founder’s nickname and rebellious spirit by balancing an amber and spicy musk with powdery vanilla and top notes of cinnamon and pink pepper.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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As a result, the outbreak in Congo is being managed by the government and in part by rebel authorities, with an array of aid agencies also helping.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 May 2026
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Everyone knew of Howe’s bravery against rebel bullets at the Battle of Bunker Hill.—
Nick Bunker,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images Are Americans finally starting to feel the strain of soaring gas prices and stubborn inflation?—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
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Treasury yields have gone up in recent months as stubborn inflation reduces the likelihood of Fed rate cuts, Pisula notes, while geopolitical tensions add more long-term risk to rates.—
Tim Maxwell,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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