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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The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
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Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 July 2025
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The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.—
Time,
Time,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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