1
as in to disobey
to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of
in those days a woman was brave if she defied fashion and wore white after Labor Day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to confront
to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage
a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to resist
to refuse to give in to
a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defy
However, many Democrat-run states have openly defied Trump's order, prompting both internal and federal backlash.
—
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
Several mentioned their favorite species found in nature — from plants and trees to several species of fish including the iconic clownfish — that defy the gender binary.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
The same holds when a human invention appears to defy general sensibilities.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Don’t Spend On Ads These side hustlers defy conventional marketing wisdom.
—Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
Several mentioned their favorite species found in nature — from plants and trees to several species of fish including the iconic clownfish — that defy the gender binary.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
The same holds when a human invention appears to defy general sensibilities.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Don’t Spend On Ads These side hustlers defy conventional marketing wisdom.
—Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
-
The Captain made the decision to go rogue and return to shore, disobeying the orders of corporate.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
The driver was issued a citation for disobeying the crossing gates, Pieritz said.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
Despite its intergalactic trappings and setting in paradise, Lilo & Stitch is a movie about things far more relatable to our daily lives than daring adventures or happily-ever-afters.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
-
For anyone who has ever dreamed big and dared to say it out loud, Forever offers something rare: the chance to see your own mother, father, auntie, or mentor reflected in its characters.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Devon confronts Michaela at the Kells' Labor Day gala, her anger and suspicions boiling over.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
-
More: Trump confronts South African leader with false claims of genocide in Oval Office ambush Mandela later tapped him to lead negotiations for the country's new democratic framework in 1991.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The roll comes already dipped with soy sauce, so resist the urge to dunk each piece before taking a bite.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2025
-
Henry’s story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating.—
Greg Edwards,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
-
Escalating matters, Daltrey and Townshend have begun to publicly gripe about each other in the firing’s aftermath, which Devours is ignoring for now.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The character is a powerful metaphor of oppressed women, challenging patriarchal norms, and has emerged as a symbol of female strength and resilience within the Indian horror genre.—
Sunil Sadarangani,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
-
This is an important step taken by France to challenge Iran’s hostage diplomacy.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2025
-
The Brooklyn rapper is also facing four other charges, namely unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated assault.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
The legislation, Senate Bill 8, passed on a largely party-line vote of 87 to 59, with 13 Democrats opposed and one Republican, Rep. Tom Delnicki of South Windsor, in favor.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
-
Trump and former President Joe Biden initially opposed the deal, with Trump promising to block the Japanese steelmaker from purchasing US Steel.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share