Definitions

defy

[dih-fahy, dee-] / dɪˈfaɪ, di- /

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

face off 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.

Or can Messi's great rival, the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defy father time by inspiring a talented Portugal team to its maiden World Cup win?

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

In other words, these are not the types of judges you would expect to look for reasons to distinguish or defy Supreme Court orders.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

The divergence underscores just how much stocks have been able to defy the normal laws of gravity in a period marked by a pandemic, inflation and a sharp rise in interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

He also featured in his local newspaper the Wolverhampton Express & Star numerous times growing up as he continued to defy expectations.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

It was hard to imagine Willow Chance in such a setting, but maybe she would defy the odds.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Vocabulary lists containing defy

The Cay

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I Am Malala

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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