defiance

[dih-fahy-uhns] / dɪˈfaɪ əns /

NOUN

disobedience, disregard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confrontation contempt opposition provocation rebellion spite

STRONG

affront audacity boldness bravado brazenness call cartel challenge command contrariness contumacy dare effrontery gas guts impudence insolence insubordination insurgence insurgency intractableness lip muster order perversity rebelliousness recalcitrance revolt sass stump summons temerity unruliness

WEAK

back talk big talk defy enjoinder factiousness hot air impugnment throwing of the gauntlet

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm harmony love peace

STRONG

answer care caution cowardice fear humility modesty timidity

WEAK

acquiescence obedience regard respect submission subordination

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Passion, humor and a snarl of defiance run through the album like a bullet.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

Back in 2019, standing on that Dongguan campus with white marble horses rearing in front of a French neoclassical facade, Huawei’s defiance felt like a genuine statement of strength.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The new government formed by Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in defiance of his powerful sacked prime minister can overcome potential efforts by his estranged ally to block its reforms, analysts say.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The fist-pumping defiance from those who have performed so poorly, with Spurs finishing 17th for the second successive season, could have been avoided had they pitched up and performed earlier in this wretched campaign.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

The current eddied around its gaping mouth and the cauldron seemed to be muttering defiance.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing defiance

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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The Outsiders

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Walk Two Moons

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