as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
Russia’s wartime economy, once defiant in the face of Western sanctions and geopolitical isolation, is showing signs of fatigue.
—
Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 22 June 2025
In response to the agency’s condemnation, a defiant Iran threatened to ramp up efforts to build nuclear weapons.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor’s race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 22 June 2025
In response to the agency’s condemnation, a defiant Iran threatened to ramp up efforts to build nuclear weapons.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor’s race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
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The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
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The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.—
Roger Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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