1
as in to disobey
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to confront
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 to resist
to refuse to give in to
a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defy
The promise that the economic pain will be fleeting defies reality.
—
Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Despite the promising innovations, some aspects of the scourge defy local control.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Right now, a drama is playing out in the Maryland court where Trump is defying an order to facilitate the return of a deported migrant.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
While bookmakers have focused on a handful of front-runners, recent history shows the eventual pope is often a surprise pick, with the voting process inside the Sistine Chapel frequently defying outside predictions.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Despite the promising innovations, some aspects of the scourge defy local control.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Right now, a drama is playing out in the Maryland court where Trump is defying an order to facilitate the return of a deported migrant.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
While bookmakers have focused on a handful of front-runners, recent history shows the eventual pope is often a surprise pick, with the voting process inside the Sistine Chapel frequently defying outside predictions.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
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The Captain made the decision to go rogue and return to shore, disobeying the orders of corporate.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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The driver was issued a citation for disobeying the crossing gates, Pieritz said.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Despite its intergalactic trappings and setting in paradise, Lilo & Stitch is a movie about things far more relatable to our daily lives than daring adventures or happily-ever-afters.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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For anyone who has ever dreamed big and dared to say it out loud, Forever offers something rare: the chance to see your own mother, father, auntie, or mentor reflected in its characters.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
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That’s not the only way Leo XIV echoed the voice of his predecessor, Like the late Pope Francis, Leo has also been a strong supporter of the need to confront the threats of climate change.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2025
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But the best leaders rise above the fray, and to this point Devers hasn’t reached a point where his first instinct when confronted by a challenge like this is to lift his team up.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The six others are reportedly facing charges of disorderly conduct, and one of them is also charged with resisting arrest, per My Central Jersey.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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In total, 42 people were arrested on charges including animal fighting and resisting arrest without violence.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
Verb
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When Jackson walked off the pitch and down the tunnel, Chelsea’s head coach appeared deliberately to ignore him.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Extract every valuable insight from feedback others would ignore.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Village women are challenging that outlook by incorporating the bird into traditional songs and handcrafts.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
20 May 2025
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Ritchie's attorneys are challenging that decision in federal court and have also filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Major cities like New York were already facing frightening death tolls that climbed higher each day—but that’s not what Eddington is about.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
17 May 2025
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In violation of a California law ensuring public beach access, the upscale property faces a fine of up to $11,250 per day, according to the state.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Some suffragists argued that immigrants opposed suffrage for women and prohibition, and therefore immigrant voting posed a threat to their agenda.—
Time,
Time,
19 May 2025
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In California, 59 percent of voters opposed cash reparations in a 2023 poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.—
Laurel Rosenhall,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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