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Definitions

in defiance of

ADVERB
counter
Synonyms
STRONG
opposite
WEAK
against at variance with contrarily contrariwise conversely versus
Antonyms
WEAK
equally same similarly
PREPOSITION
despite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
in spite of regardless of
WEAK
against although even though even with in contempt of in the face of notwithstanding undeterred by

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.

US officials said the ship - named Aquila II - was operating in defiance of a US "quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean".

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Iran exported more oil in 2025 than it had done in years, smuggling crude in defiance of sanctions, mainly to China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

The move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow had successfully tested a nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone, in defiance of Washington's warnings.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

For a while, they stick together mostly to stick it to her, in defiance of the fact that contempt is the No. 1 indicator of divorce.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

We are above the law, but that does not mean we live in defiance of it.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman