Definitions

defied

[dih-fahyd] / dɪˈfaɪd /

VERB

challenge, frustrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront disregard elude flout ignore mock oppose provoke resist ridicule spurn thwart violate withstand

STRONG

baffle beard brave contemn dare defeat deride despise face foil front gibe insult repel repulse scorn slight stick venture

WEAK

fly in face of hang tough hurl defiance at make my day outdare stick fast take one on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist flatter help note pay attention praise regard respect

STRONG

abet admire attract commend compliment encourage give up hide like love

WEAK

give in obey surrender yield

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.

"It also defied many skeptics and naysayers that didn’t think it had the capacity to pull off such a complex, high stakes feat."

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Only two players have defied that trend in the past two decades and both are all-time greats who can be considered outliers.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Plus, hiring in March defied expectations, and tips to help you steer clear of botnet networks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

There has been frequent private speculation about the state of Biya's health, but openly discussing it is taboo and he has always defied rumours of his death by appearing in public after long absences.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Hawkers, girls much younger than I, defied the school gate men, edging closer and closer to the cars to offer peeled oranges and bananas and groundnuts, their moth-eaten blouses slipping off their shoulders.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie