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.

As of Wednesday’s close, shares had fallen 27% in 2026, but they have gained 135% over the last 12 months as the company defied last year’s slump in furniture sales.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The 5th Circuit defied this command on Tuesday, and its excuse for doing so was rice-paper-thin.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

At that time, accumulating works by women and artists of color working with nontraditional materials that defied formal categories, wasn’t only uncommon — it wasn’t done.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

It also claims Replimune defied FDA advice in March 2021 to run a randomized controlled trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“Don’t blow yourself up,” Mom said, with a look that defied interpretation.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam