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.

They tried to stand up for multiracial democracy and the rule of law in the face of the state’s defiance.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 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

Green’s voice radiated power and defiance, fighting off the compassion he knows will spell his end.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

If, at times, the narrative structure sags and the character portraits blur, it’s in service to the immensity of hope and defiance extinguished by the airstrike.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

And in defiance of Mayor Peters, he reinstated Police Commissioner Curtis and ordered him back on the job immediately.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

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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