defiance

[dih-fahy-uhns] / dɪˈfaɪ əns /

NOUN

disobedience, disregard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confrontation contempt opposition provocation rebellion spite

STRONG

affront audacity boldness bravado brazenness call cartel challenge command contrariness contumacy dare effrontery gas guts impudence insolence insubordination insurgence insurgency intractableness lip muster order perversity rebelliousness recalcitrance revolt sass stump summons temerity unruliness

WEAK

back talk big talk defy enjoinder factiousness hot air impugnment throwing of the gauntlet

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm harmony love peace

STRONG

answer care caution cowardice fear humility modesty timidity

WEAK

acquiescence obedience regard respect submission subordination

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.

Green’s voice radiated power and defiance, fighting off the compassion he knows will spell his end.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

"That was about respecting your place in society, but in the revolutionary 1640s and 1650s, hat-honor became a real gesture of defiance in the political sphere."

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

The diplomat’s defiance highlights the weakness of the Lebanese government as war returns to the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

As the sun sinks, we drive to one of many nearby squares where government supporters have been gathering nightly in response to their new leaders' call to show defiance and solidarity.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

To be honest, Jinjoo’s interest in the church only grew in defiance of their mother.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Vocabulary lists containing defiance

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The Outsiders

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Walk Two Moons

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