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.

But I defy anyone to name another film this year that balances spectacle and sweeping romance at the blockbuster level as well as Fennell’s film does.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Each player has their own individual back story, but Hantuchova believes there is a shared mentality which helps players from those countries to defy the odds against them.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

As it turns out, even companies that defy the laws of gravity are bound by the laws of economics.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Many Puerto Ricans saw the ban as an attack on their culture and vowed to defy the law.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

But soon there were few left in Minas Tirith who had the heart to stand up and defy the hosts of Mordor.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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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