Definitions

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.

Appeared in the October 8, 2025, print edition as 'Republican Hopes to Defy the Odds'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Viator is an associate professor of history, a curator for the Grammy Museum and the author of “To Live and Defy in LA: How Gangsta Rap Changed America.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2023

He was at a meeting in 2018 to discuss the future of his comedy video channel, Smosh, when he received an email saying that Defy Media was ceasing operations immediately.

From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2022

Then again, the futuristic Taco Bell Defy and its ilk—as well as these companies’ earnings reports—show us where Americans are going, or more precisely, how.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2022

You triumph!—do! and with gigantic pride Defy impending vengeance.

From Jane Shore A Tragedy by Rowe, Nicholas

Vocabulary lists containing defy

The Cay

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I Am Malala

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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