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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.

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

Uproar resumed in the vigil crowd as Mr Lammy said "that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us".

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

That explains why a number of schools and businesses closed for the holiday in 2024 in defiance of the official change.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025

Though it was created in defiance of nature's musical laws, the new, interlocking, standardised system came with huge benefits, not least making all twelve key-families compatible.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.