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

Indeed, the question “Who is a Jew?” has defied easy answers for centuries, and has often led to acrimonious infighting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

The e-bike craze, which is putting many people, including kids, in the hospital at an alarming rate, has thus far defied similar regulatory frameworks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

I had openly defied one of the masters in front of his own class and avoided expulsion.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss