1
as in to disobey
to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of
in those days a woman was brave if she defied fashion and wore white after Labor Day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to confront
to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage
a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to resist
to refuse to give in to
a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defy
Abrego Garcia's case quickly became a flashpoint in that legal battle, with critics arguing his removal violated due process and defied judicial authority.
—
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
That said, Underwood has continually defied expectations throughout her career.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Thousands again protested outside the Istanbul municipality building on Friday, defying a four-day ban on street gatherings in the city, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in protest over the decision.
—Ipek Yezdani, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
While relatively rare, the attacks defy easy categories.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Ben Warren is also trying to win back Teddy’s confidence after disobeying her orders during the heat wave.—
-
Pike faced a momentous decision: follow orders to retreat, or disobey them to rescue his crew.—
Verb
-
The Cybertruck is indeed a valiant effort in doing something new, and that’s not what most manufacturers dare to do.—
-
Stacy's husband Jim speculated that the bald eagle wanted to eat their dog — and probably would if Gnocchi dared to venture outside.—
Verb
-
The brothers, having both military and criminal experience (not to mention their Chicago armamentarium), confront white racists with startling boldness, openly threatening Hogwood.—
-
What the narrator has to get away from is the assortment of low-grade humiliations and condescending attitudes she is confronted with every day while clocked in at the restaurant.—
Verb
-
Vrabel then asked players to resist pulling sweatshirt hoodies over their heads during meetings.—
-
Several House Republicans have resisted increasing pressure from President Trump to swallow a blueprint that's key to extending his tax cuts, which are set to expire this year.—
Verb
-
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.—
-
Wallen briefly hugged the actress but seemed to ignore the rest of the cast and quickly walked past view of the camera.—
Verb
-
The judge heard arguments in the case after a federal judge in Massachusetts transferred the 30-year-old's lawsuit challenging her detention to Vermont rather than dismiss it or send it to Louisiana as the U.S. Justice Department wanted.—
-
With the East’s play-in seeding set at No. 7 Orlando Magic, No. 8 Atlanta Hawks, No. 9 Bulls and No. 10 Heat, here’s the challenging path to the playoffs that Miami faces ...—
Verb
-
Consumers face an overall average effective tariff rate of 28%, the highest since 1901, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Need a break?—
-
Read could face a maximum of life in prison if convicted.—
Verb
-
Based on pre- and post-debate data collected from the audience, Sey's stance on opposing trans athletes in women's sports appeared to be the winning argument.—
-
While most of the council was in favor, a majority of residents in public comment opposed the idea.—
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share