as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
Zheng struck a defiant tone at the news conference, hailing China’s rapid development in microchips and AI large language models as well as industrial and humanoid robots.
—
Nectar Gan, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Many conservatives on social media have lambasted not only the congressional representatives in attendance but the guests who sat in the gallery over not cheering for the guests, the decision to wear pink after blocking Monday's bill and waving small signs with defiant messages in protest.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar
For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.
—Kareem Khadder, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Nectar Gan, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Many conservatives on social media have lambasted not only the congressional representatives in attendance but the guests who sat in the gallery over not cheering for the guests, the decision to wear pink after blocking Monday's bill and waving small signs with defiant messages in protest.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar
For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.
—Kareem Khadder, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Nazanin Lankarani,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Lamar Johnson’s Henry Burrell was a collaborator on the run from a rebel group different from The Fireflies in Kansas City, where the QZ and all FEDRA presence had been dissolved.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 2025
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The mutually beneficial alliance between Tehran and Damascus ended abruptly in December, after an anti-Assad coalition led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) carried out a lightning march on Damascus, taking the capital without meeting serious resistance.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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