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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In others, the rebellious teenager drinks elsewhere.—
Thomas Lake,
AJC.com,
4 June 2026
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For a distillery known as much for its rebellious personality as its whisky, bringing back a bottle called Yellow Submarine feels pretty on-brand.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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But beyond this picturesque scene, there is a volatile combination of brutal rebel violence and a burgeoning Ebola outbreak.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
6 June 2026
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Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group allied with the Islamic State group, and a coalition of ethnic militias also have hindered the response.—
Mark Banchereau,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 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 9 Jun. 2026.
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