DEFY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

defy

verb

di-ˈfī

Definition of defy

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dare

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat after missing the target, she defied her boyfriend to do better

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as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races

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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 Through the years, the singer has remained remarkably loyal to her lengths, whether swept up into a gravity-defying pony, styled into a sleek ballerina bun, or cascading down her back. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 The standout element of the gown, and what gave the dress its butterfly-like qualities, was the gravity-defying neckline. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot, Drummoch (Branagh), defies a shadowy American billionaire, Peter Bergstrom (Sarsgaard), hellbent on buying up the glens. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Zelensky accused Moscow of breaking the apparent agreement and, in turn, resumed strikes against Russian oil facilities, defying pressure from Washington. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy

Verb

The league fails to react to any of the players who disobey the rules.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Smith was charged with disobeying an officer, a misdemeanor, according to Placer Superior Court records.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of disobey

Verb

It’s been covered breathlessly on Instagram and by celebrity media — led by the former Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, who last Monday on his podcast described being confronted by Griffin at a wedding on the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The country is deeply polarized, increasingly castigated by the rest of the world, and confronting a resurgence of antisemitism.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of confront

Verb

During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
The ban passed in April 2025 and is being challenged by a group of educators, students, parents and activists who say the law violates their 1st and 14th Amendment rights.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenge

Verb

The group has faced criticism over its stances on various issues, including the wars in Gaza and Iran.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
The move also lands weeks before Election Day, as Hochul faces Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman, who has criticized her for not opting in sooner.

— Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of face

Verb

Les Républicains has ostensibly opposed Macron for years but cooperated regularly on areas of overlapping interests, such as economic policy.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of oppose

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defunds

defy

defying

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“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defy

verb

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