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.

In defiance of the governor’s proclamation, Rhode Islanders went to work on Dec. 1 and declined to attend religious services.

From The Wall Street Journal

These oddballs have little in common besides their defiance of village norms and their families’ mutual disapproval.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the defiance of Mr. Khamenei appears neither scripted nor rehearsed.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Obasi suggests the attacks "may also be acts of defiance by some armed groups, taunting the US to make good on its threat of military action in Nigeria".

From Barron's

It was seen by the Nazi authorities as provocative defiance.

From The Wall Street Journal

defiance

Example Sentences

Related Words