defied

[dih-fahyd] / dɪˈfaɪd /

VERB

challenge, frustrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront disregard elude flout ignore mock oppose provoke resist ridicule spurn thwart violate withstand

STRONG

baffle beard brave contemn dare defeat deride despise face foil front gibe insult repel repulse scorn slight stick venture

WEAK

fly in face of hang tough hurl defiance at make my day outdare stick fast take one on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist flatter help note pay attention praise regard respect

STRONG

abet admire attract commend compliment encourage give up hide like love

WEAK

give in obey surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There has been frequent private speculation about the state of Biya's health, but openly discussing it is taboo and he has always defied rumours of his death by appearing in public after long absences.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

U.S. job growth blew past expectations last month, a resilient rebound that defied concerns about a pending downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Another tech name defied a broader artificial intelligence slump– Qnity Electronics.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The cynical maneuver so disgusted Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a maverick Democrat from rural Washington state, that she defied party leaders and introduced a resolution rebuking Garcia.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

There was a limit to their melting, and they found it, and defied it.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor