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
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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
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Recent Examples of defy
The bill would establish a stronger federal precedent to keep trans athletes out of women's and girls' sports as multiple states defy President Donald Trump's recent executive order to address the issue.
—
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
But defying that downward spiral are nondenominational evangelicals, a group that’s deeply religious but doesn’t necessarily embrace denominational labels.
—Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
A number of federal agencies, specifically those involved in national security, like the departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy, defied Musk and told their employees not to comply with the request.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Last week, Judge Ali declined to hold the government in contempt of court for defying the earlier order, but continued to press for details.
—Zach Montague, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
But defying that downward spiral are nondenominational evangelicals, a group that’s deeply religious but doesn’t necessarily embrace denominational labels.
—Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
A number of federal agencies, specifically those involved in national security, like the departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy, defied Musk and told their employees not to comply with the request.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Last week, Judge Ali declined to hold the government in contempt of court for defying the earlier order, but continued to press for details.
—Zach Montague, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
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Severe crashes were typically due to failure to yield, failure to reduce speed, improper or unsafe lane usage, disobeying traffic signs and signals, and roadway departure, according to Vissers’ presentation.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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The suspect disobeyed and was subsequently shot, OPD said.—
Elainie Barraza,
Orlando Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Those daring enough to brave twisting mountain roads at the center of the island can also rent a car, available from the island's airport.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
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In August Ukraine launched a daring cross-border incursion into Kursk, in what marked the largest attack on Russian territory since World War II.—
Joanna Kozlowska,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The 79-year-old Oscar winner embraces the challenging role of the Dutton family matriarch alongside co-star Harrison Ford, confronting everything from mountain lions to the harsh realities of frontier life.—
Holly Williams,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2025
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They were reported for confronting community members at 11 businesses.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The union’s wherewithal to resist the cap has become almost part and parcel of its identity and there has never been any indication that the players are prepared to give in now.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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As Hill resists sitting down, another officer jumps from behind him, place an arm around his chest, and pulls him to the ground as Hill continues shouting about knee surgery.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And no, not because Disney is ignoring him or passing him over.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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But in the 1990s, when social practice art was gaining traction within European museums (especially in the United Kingdom), most Latin American institutions were ignoring that development, which remained limited to underground networks.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Liberal leadership race was compressed, and Carney was far ahead all along, so his opponents were not motivated to challenge him too much.—
Stephen Maher,
TIME,
9 Mar. 2025
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No one else mustered a charge to challenge Morikawa. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley caught fire early, beginning with a birdie on the par-4 third hole.—
Edgar Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Courtesy of Games for Change Anima plans to release Take Us North in late 2026 or early 2027, at which point the circumstances migrants face could be even more stark than the ones they’re confronted with now.—
Megan Farokhmanesh,
WIRED,
5 Mar. 2025
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But Republicans are facing pressure to do so without support from Democrats.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Networks of Opposition Groups opposed to the mRNA technology have built a vast and well-funded legal, marketing, and social media network.—
Stephanie Armour | KFF Health News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Tolbert and Hollins discuss the tendencies opposing pitchers might have toward baserunners, but what Tolbert can do doesn’t end with steals.—
Dylan Pescatore,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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