defied

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.

The mansion’s goings-on were evidence that Hefner had amassed enough money and prestige to get his way, even when his way defied social norms, public-health best practices, and the law.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

The massive expansion shows Kim plans to greatly expand a nuclear program that has defied pressure from great powers such as the U.S. and China and has rattled its neighbors in Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Throughout her career, Banerjee has defied political odds.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Behind the scenes, Monroe founded her own production company, attended the prestigious Actors Studio in New York, and even defied the studios.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 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