defy

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.

In the last year, the U.S. economy has seemed to defy gravity, withstanding a chaotic trade war, shocks to the labor supply, and wild swings in the stock market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Their ability to enact change depended on their willingness to defy current custom and mores.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

"These ultra-low-density super-puff planets are rare, and they defy conventional understanding of how gas giants form. And if explaining how one formed wasn't difficult enough, this system has three!"

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

And stocks continued to defy gravity following gains on Wall Street that were helped by tech giants including Apple and Amazon.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

The longer Boots seemed to defy his hunters, the deeper became Caesar’s anger, and having no other target, it fixed itself on Julius.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks