Synonyms of defy

defy

verb

di-ˈfī 

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

• disobey
• ignore
• violate
• resist
• mock
• dismiss
• oppose
• reject
• rebel (against)
• fight
• disregard
• flout
• overlook
• withstand
• pass over
• revolt (against)
• transgress
• tune out
• break
• disoblige
• breach
• scorn
• scoff (at)
• combat
• shrug off
• infringe
• dispute
• wink (at)
• pooh-pooh
• contest
• brush (off)
• mutiny (against)
• buck
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• follow
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• submit (to)
• mind
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• keep
• defer (to)
• concede (to)
• cooperate (with)
• observe
• agree (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• hear
• oblige
• goose-step (to)
• accede (to)
• listen (to)
• heed
• attend
• notice
• watch
• regard
• assent (to)
• mark
• note
• acquiesce (to)

2

as in to dare

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat

after missing the target, she defied her boyfriend to do better

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dare
• challenge
• confront
• stump
• brave
• breast
• brazen
• beard
• face
• outbrave
• outface

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

• confront
• face
• dare
• brave
• withstand
• stand up to
• resist
• breast
• beard
• encounter
• brazen
• meet
• outbrave
• outface
• fight
• challenge
• front
• stand
• oppose
• face up (to)
• approach
• affront
• repel
• combat
• accost
• battle
• contend (with)
• corner
• square (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• sidestep
• shirk
• dodge
• shun
• eschew
• duck
• evade
• escape
• elude
• shake
• funk

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resist
• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• contradict
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• contend (with)
• hinder
• buck
• contest
• frustrate
• counter
• obstruct
• dispute
• balk
• check
• stem
• battle
• baffle
• foil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• surrender (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defy

Antarctica is a wonderland of intensity, remote and dramatic with blinding white otherworldly landscapes and shimmering blues that defy description. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026

The economy grew over three months ending in June, defying fear of a downturn triggered by the Iran war. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

But this category belongs to Rhys, whose small-town mayor in Widow’s Bay defies comedy and horror stereotypes. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Always a staple on the runways and a heavy presence in street style ensembles, the cardigan defies the fashion cycle. — Camille Freestone, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026