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
Abrego Garcia's case quickly became a flashpoint in that legal battle, with critics arguing his removal violated due process and defied judicial authority.
—
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
That said, Underwood has continually defied expectations throughout her career.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Thousands again protested outside the Istanbul municipality building on Friday, defying a four-day ban on street gatherings in the city, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in protest over the decision.
—Ipek Yezdani, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
While relatively rare, the attacks defy easy categories.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
That said, Underwood has continually defied expectations throughout her career.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Thousands again protested outside the Istanbul municipality building on Friday, defying a four-day ban on street gatherings in the city, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in protest over the decision.
—Ipek Yezdani, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
While relatively rare, the attacks defy easy categories.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
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Boasberg earlier this week found probable cause that the Trump administration committed criminal contempt by disobeying his ruling, only to see the Supreme Court rule that only judges where migrants are being held have jurisdiction to halt their removal.—
Jasmine Garsd,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2025
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The timing of Lopez Gomez’s arrest, first reported by the Florida Phoenix, raises questions about whether the court order was disobeyed.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The dual goal of these orders was clear: to punish law firms that had dared to cross Trump and to intimidate others that might stand up to him.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2025
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While many bridal offerings can feel traditional or conservative, Vera’s boasts daring hemlines, modern silhouettes (her fall 2020 bridal collection saw a number of high low gowns, for example), and even the occasional splash of color.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The difference lies in how the screenplay probes the existential struggles warring inside its characters and confronts their pasts.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
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Along the way, each antihero is forced to confront the most unpleasant corners of their mind, and Russell, as an accomplished former hockey player, was eager to disprove anyone who wrote Thunderbolts* off as just another superhero team-up.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The blades are crafted from alloy steel that maintains its sharpness over time and resists rust.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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September’s fiesta is in gratitude to soldiers who resisted a siege on the town by French soldiers over the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, ensuring the region remained a Basque community.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
18 Apr. 2025
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However, Catherine was unimpressed by him going overboard — and ignoring the importance of bedside manner — in the clinic.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The playful, hands-on approach turned the tasting into an interactive game, allowing guests to challenge their spice tolerance against Buldak’s infamous heat.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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The Trump administration is likely to challenge all three rulings.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Consumers face an overall average effective tariff rate of 28%, the highest since 1901, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Need a break?—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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The agency has faced calls for years to pull other synthetic food dyes derived from petroleum like Red 40, which is largely absent from food in some other countries.—
Paula Cohen,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His remarks are at odds with the state's GOP, as California Senate oppose the bill, arguing that the legislation prioritizes political agendas over the safety and security of California residents.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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One of them is his refusal to recognize Russia’s unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014 – a step that Mr. Trump is demanding of him, and that European leaders also oppose.—
Ned Temko,
Christian Science Monitor,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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