defy

[dih-fahy, dee-] / dɪˈfaɪ, di- /

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

face off 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.

He also featured in his local newspaper the Wolverhampton Express & Star numerous times growing up as he continued to defy expectations.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Earnings are likely to grow north of 20% for this year, as well, and the job market continues to defy gravity.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

“But for the degree of broadening that would warrant an upgrade, the market would have to defy the four-year cycle tendency for weakness from April to October.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

“I’m currently working on an accessible life-coaching resource in the style of an ‘80s TV show, using YouTube videos, to show others they can defy the societal norm of being miserable,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Some people were frightened, especially when Hitler promised to defy the Treaty of Versailles.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Vocabulary lists containing defy

The Cay

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