defiant

adjective

de·​fi·​ant di-ˈfī-ənt How to pronounce defiant (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of defiant
: full of or showing a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight : full of or showing defiance : bold, impudent
defiant rebels
a defiant refusal
Mantor struck a defiant pose, his chin out, and rocked for a moment on the heels of his boots.—Christopher Ketcham

Synonyms of defiant

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Examples of defiant in a Sentence

He's taken a defiant stand on the issue. the defiant puppy refused to let go of the football
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Roy Cosby is charged with terroristic threats, defiant trespass, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 As one of the tough, defiant women of L7, Sparks has rocked as hard as anyone, built on distorted guitars and extending to the band’s humor and politics. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 7 Oct. 2026 Messi’s quiet reserve, so at odds with Maradona’s defiant swagger, fueled doubts about his patriotism. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 This was especially defiant as Zegler’s co-star in the Disney film was Gal Gadot, who served in the Israeli army and has continued to voice support for her home country. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiant

Word History

Etymology

in part borrowed from French défiant "mistrustful," from present participle of défier "to mistrust, challenge, defy entry 1," going back to Old French; in part from defi(ance) + -ant entry 2

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defiant was in 1583

Phrases Containing defiant

Rhymes for defiant

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiant. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defiant

adjective
de·​fi·​ant di-ˈfī-ənt How to pronounce defiant (audio)
: full of or showing defiance : impudent, insolent
defiantly adverb
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