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.

Many queer coming-of-age movies position the character’s awakening as an act of defiance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

SEOUL—North Korea’s uranium-enrichment capacity could soon expand by 75% once a new facility reaches full production, a clear signal that leader Kim Jong Un intends to expand his arsenal in defiance of international pressure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

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 defiance in Farid's voice made Dustfinger laugh, he himself didn't know why.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

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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