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.
To a defiant Son, however, the party hasn’t even started. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 25 June 2026 Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2026 His decision to stand for re-election in the same seat appeared to be a defiant attempt to move past the political drama and cement his popularity. — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 7 July 2026 At times, Richie can be defiant and at other times respectful, depending on the circumstances, deepening his innate affinity with the archer. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on defiant

Nglish: Translation of defiant for Spanish Speakers

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