1
as in disobeys
to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of
in those days a woman was brave if she defied fashion and wore white after Labor Day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in confronts
to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage
a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in resists
to refuse to give in to
a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defies
Bello’s regression this season has been shocking to behold, and his Jekyll and Hyde act when starting games versus coming out as a bulk reliever defies explanation.
—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
There’s something about a classic crosshatch pattern that defies trends.
—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The company has mutated into something that defies both comparison and logic.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
His post-match interview revealed the usual Messi, the man who continues to showcase the kind of humanity, dignity, honor and humility that defies every standard of today’s society, consumed with the search for attention and glory at any cost.
—
Luis E. Romero,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
The kindhearted himbo defies the outdated displays of masculinity expected from male athletes.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Ray McMillian is a talented Black classical violinist who defies systemic racism and his family’s discouragement to achieve musical success.
—
Janey Wetzel,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
The film follows a Bigfoot hoax that goes horribly wrong in the middle of an actual Sasquatch hot spot, leading to a chaotic struggle between the hoaxers, investigators, and a supernatural force that defies explanation.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Then again, so much about Sirianni’s ascent to the top of his profession defies conventional wisdom.
—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
There’s something about a classic crosshatch pattern that defies trends.
—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The company has mutated into something that defies both comparison and logic.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
His post-match interview revealed the usual Messi, the man who continues to showcase the kind of humanity, dignity, honor and humility that defies every standard of today’s society, consumed with the search for attention and glory at any cost.
—
Luis E. Romero,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
The kindhearted himbo defies the outdated displays of masculinity expected from male athletes.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Ray McMillian is a talented Black classical violinist who defies systemic racism and his family’s discouragement to achieve musical success.
—
Janey Wetzel,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
The film follows a Bigfoot hoax that goes horribly wrong in the middle of an actual Sasquatch hot spot, leading to a chaotic struggle between the hoaxers, investigators, and a supernatural force that defies explanation.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Then again, so much about Sirianni’s ascent to the top of his profession defies conventional wisdom.
—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defies
Verb
-
Still, a young kid is a young kid no matter the era, and to fulfill his wish of seeing real dinosaurs, Arco disobeys his parents.
Verb
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More than a century later, the Chicago World's Fair remains one of the most remarkable chapters in this city's history and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a city dares to dream big.
-
Then comes Erling Haaland, a high-speed human bulldozer, striking the fear of God into any defender or goalkeeper who dares stand in his way.
Verb
-
Confidence wavers when the sun confronts Neptune.
-
Based on the popular Quebec comic book created by Samuel Parent and commissioned by and produced in collaboration with Télé-Québec, the series, aimed at 6 to 9-year-olds, follows the adventures of a fearless kid who confronts monsters that haunt children in the darkness of night.
Verb
-
The lids are made with Rubbermaid’s BPA-free StainShield plastic, which resists odors and stains without warping in the dishwasher.
-
This looser-fitting top sits right at the waistband and is made of a durable nylon and elastane blend that resists wear and tear (justifying the price point).
Verb
-
Stating that Palestinians are entitled to a country of their own ignores the facts.
-
With the job’s high salary, live-in accommodations and her love of children on her mind, Layla ignores Jasmine’s concerns and drives to the family’s estate to meet Zuri.
Verb
-
The case challenges the agency’s practice of holding noncitizens for sometimes days in facilities without a bed or other adequate accommodations.
-
That’s what makes shadow AI fundamentally different from the shadow IT challenges companies have dealt with for years.
Verb
-
Saturday is a Gridlock Alert Day in New York City as Panama faces England in the FIFA Men's World Cup in New Jersey.
-
Ultimately, healthcare faces crucial decisions regarding computing power, which is becoming as vital as electricity for modern medicine.
Verb
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The workers' group opposes Ryder's Law, which will sever the main income source for many of the heavily immigrant owners and drivers.
-
Your voice is not wasted, and vote-splitting cannot hand the seat to a candidate the majority opposes.
Cite this Entry
“Defies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defies. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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