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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Recent Examples of defiant
Trump’s world order Mr. Orban’s defiant welcome of Mr. Netanyahu has highlighted one way the world has changed since Mr. Trump came to power: By throwing out the global rule book on longstanding alliances and trade rules, the American president has given permission to others to break the rules too.
—
Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
The White House has remained defiant in the face of unraveling markets, reiterating that the shockingly high tariffs unveiled Wednesday night will take effect April 9, as scheduled.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has struck a similarly defiant note.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates
On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
The White House has remained defiant in the face of unraveling markets, reiterating that the shockingly high tariffs unveiled Wednesday night will take effect April 9, as scheduled.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has struck a similarly defiant note.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates
On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Apr. 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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In the wake of the earthquake, the shadow government in exile, known as the National Unity Government, and an alliance of three rebel groups announced cease-fires.—
Sui-Lee Wee,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
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