1
as in rebellion
refusal to obey
any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposition
the inclination to resist
the troubled youth seems to have an ingrained defiance to authority of any sort
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
a deeply troubled person who seemed the very soul of defiance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiance
Riot Act is a rebellious YA novel set in an alternate 1991 following Gigi, a fearless theater kid rallying her classmates to stage Shakespeare in defiance of a totalitarian regime.
—
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
The complaints resemble those from Washington about China’s policy of shoveling money into homegrown companies in defiance of global trade agreements.
—Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Many brought tents, signs and Palestinian flags in defiance of the university’s policy change the same morning.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Prioritizing ideological defiance over pragmatic cooperation with federal authorities could inadvertently endanger the very communities these leaders are sworn to protect.
—Christopher Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defiance 
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
The complaints resemble those from Washington about China’s policy of shoveling money into homegrown companies in defiance of global trade agreements.
—Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Many brought tents, signs and Palestinian flags in defiance of the university’s policy change the same morning.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Prioritizing ideological defiance over pragmatic cooperation with federal authorities could inadvertently endanger the very communities these leaders are sworn to protect.
—Christopher Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiance
Noun
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Some see hope in Trump’s return Jan. 19, 2025 Separately, law enforcement authorities are investigating whether Yoon and others committed rebellion, abuse of power and other crimes in connection with the martial law decree.—
Hyung-Jin Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
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The four are made to watch a corporate propaganda video (voiced by Keanu Reeves), which depicts their season 1 rebellion in a positive light, a protest that improved the company for the better.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Much of Baldoni’s allegations run in opposition to Lively’s claims (which are fully explored in this story).—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
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President-elect Trump’s legal team submitted a written opposition Friday to the Georgia Supreme Court over Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s request to have the state’s high court review her removal from the former president’s 2020 election interference case.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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His ability to exploit Daniels’ aggression — baiting him into three first-half fouls — was critical, forcing the Hawks’ defensive anchor to the bench and limiting his usual effectiveness.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2025
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Owners concerned whether or not their dog is experiencing a phantom pregnancy can look for the following symptoms: mammary development, lactation, enlarged belly, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, nesting, being protective of small inanimate objects and restlessness or aggression.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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SpaceX is developing the Starship system, which could provide a reusable alternative, but moves to cancel SLS — which has been criticized over unsustainable costs and numerous delays and quality control on the part of lead contractor Boeing — will likely face resistance.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
20 Jan. 2025
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United States Oil Fund (NYSE: USO) Price in January established a new high after breaking above the early July resistance area.—
John Navin,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Despite Magnus’ vehement objections, Agnes accepts an invitation from true crime podcaster Nora Carver to travel to Bifröst to discuss the murders on the anniversary.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2025
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This pressure reportedly allowed Witkoff to lean on the notoriously tough and canny Benjamin Netanyahu during talks and compel the Israeli prime minister to agree to a deal despite objections.—
Keir Simmons,
NBC News,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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For example, shrinking the size and scope of government is a goal which could help the country, but reducing or trimming government programs for almost any constituency would be fraught with hostility and political costs.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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While the temporary pause in hostilities provides reprieve for the Gazan civilians, Hamas and their ideological allies are claiming the agreement as a victory.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Experts advise patients who experience disrespect or mistreatment in medical settings to document interactions and report concerns.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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Through her hit early 2000s ABC reality show Supernanny, the long-time parenting expert helped families address issues like lack of discipline, controlling behavior, sleep separation, disrespect and communication.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Yes From an early age, we are taught that obedience is good, and disobedience is bad.—
Dr. Sunita Sah,
TIME,
4 Jan. 2025
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In the past six years, Ohio has issued close to 885,000 suspensions and expulsions for comments and misbehaviors tagged as disobedience or disruption.—
Meredith Kolodner,
USA TODAY,
1 Apr. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near defiance
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiance. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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