defiantly

adverb

de·​fi·​ant·​ly di-ˈfī-ənt-lē How to pronounce defiantly (audio)
dē-
: in a defiant manner : in a way that is full of or shows a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight
She spoke out defiantly against the proposed law.
As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.Jonathan Alter
Though restrained, the women do not lack independence, and they wag their tongues as defiantly as ever.Jason Farago

Examples of defiantly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Iranian official defiantly said Tehran had no intention of relinquishing its tight grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil. Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026 Immediately after the blast, the official raised his fist defiantly, vowing never to surrender. Npr Staff, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 The Post found that despite a law being passed in 2023, many courtrooms were not livestreaming their procedures and some judges were defiantly refusing to livestream their hearings. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026 Walz and Ellison have defiantly denied any wrongdoing during their time as Minnesota officials. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiantly

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defiantly was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Defiantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiantly. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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