defies

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.

See Examples For:

defies

In Sophocles, Antigone, Oedipus’ headstrong daughter, defies the edict issued by her uncle Creon, the newly deputized king, declaring that her slain brother Polynices is an enemy of the state and therefore ineligible for burial.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

Because it was his favorite kind of question: one that is simple to state yet defies a simple answer.

From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2026

There is always at least one team that defies the odds and emerges as the surprise package of a World Cup.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

“This is not just another IPO — it’s the largest in U.S. history, and it’s being rushed to market with a valuation that defies financial logic,” Weingarten said in a statement.

From MarketWatch ● May 6, 2026

“Nobody defies The Vigils, Obie . . .” “That’s what Renault’s doing.” “... and gets away with it.”

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier