1
as in disobeying
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
as in daring
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat
after missing the target, she defied her boyfriend to do better
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in confronting
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 resisting
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
Examples 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 defying
Like a gravity-defying river, the future is said to flow up mountains, while the past flows downhill.
—
Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Although artists such as Taylor Swift and Neil Young have temporarily removed their music from Spotify—Swift pressed the company over its paltry royalty rates, while Young was protesting its nine-figure deal with the divisive podcaster Joe Rogan—defying the streamer comes with enormous risks.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Sandy then lambasted the entire board for defying Title IX in favor of California State law.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024
The women not only completed the mission, but did so in just 90 days, defying expectations.
—Gayle King, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
Record sales continue to soar, defying predictions of an imminent bubble burst, with extravagant box sets, limited vinyl runs and reissues offering fans a way to celebrate their favorite albums anew.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Teen marijuana use has hit its lowest point in over three decades, a new study reveals, defying concerns that legalization might spur a rise in use among young people.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The Irish singer’s genre-defying tune topped the charts in seven countries weeks after its April release.
—Paul Feinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
Within this microcosm of society, some women find solace and an unexpected sense of freedom within a restrictive society, while others are unjustly confined for defying societal norms.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Although artists such as Taylor Swift and Neil Young have temporarily removed their music from Spotify—Swift pressed the company over its paltry royalty rates, while Young was protesting its nine-figure deal with the divisive podcaster Joe Rogan—defying the streamer comes with enormous risks.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Sandy then lambasted the entire board for defying Title IX in favor of California State law.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024
The women not only completed the mission, but did so in just 90 days, defying expectations.
—Gayle King, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
Record sales continue to soar, defying predictions of an imminent bubble burst, with extravagant box sets, limited vinyl runs and reissues offering fans a way to celebrate their favorite albums anew.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Teen marijuana use has hit its lowest point in over three decades, a new study reveals, defying concerns that legalization might spur a rise in use among young people.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The Irish singer’s genre-defying tune topped the charts in seven countries weeks after its April release.
—Paul Feinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
Within this microcosm of society, some women find solace and an unexpected sense of freedom within a restrictive society, while others are unjustly confined for defying societal norms.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defying
Verb
-
From his cell, the pilfering penguin takes remote control of a robotic gnome developed by Wallace and hatches a daring escape plan followed by another botched attempt to get his flippers on the diamond.Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
-
The birds’ daring strategy is supported by their ability to read environmental cues.Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The world’s multilateral architecture is the best mechanism humanity has for confronting existential transnational threats.Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Any return to play in England would entail Henderson confronting the subject again.Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
He was arrested again in 2016, during his four-year probation term, for shoplifting from a local Walmart and resisting security and was sent back to prison.Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
-
The result of a complex physical and chemical treatment process, the finish gets its name for its ceramic-like feel and matte finish while resisting scratches and scuffs.Brian Westover, PCMAG, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
See video … WATCH RAYMOND ARROYO – Biden rewarded murderers while ignoring the innocent and their families.Fox News, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024
-
But should investors really be ignoring small caps in 2025?Bret Kenwell, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Biden even considered challenging Carter for the Democratic nomination in 1980.Susan Page, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
-
And don’t overlook the impact that challenging engineering and construction conditions can have on your calculations.Katherine Latham, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost eight of their last 13 games in all competitions since the beginning of November, and the Catalan is facing the first major crisis in his managerial career.Emmet Gates, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
-
The project, helmed by directors Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan, explores the story of an imam facing a moral crossroads between upholding traditional mosque values and protecting a male congregant’s spiritual journey.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Conley is struggling with his shot again the past couple of games and at times looks overwhelmed by opposing size and athleticism.Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
-
Then inside the meeting, parents and opposing activists gave impassioned speeches on their thoughts on the situation, with multiple speakers yelling in hysterical tones.Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near defying
Cite this Entry
“Defying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defying. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share