defiance

noun

de·​fi·​ance di-ˈfī-ən(t)s How to pronounce defiance (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of defiance
1
: the act or an instance of defying : challenge
jailed for defiance of a court order
2
: disposition to resist : willingness to contend or fight
dealing with a child's defiance
see also:
in defiance of

Synonyms of defiance

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Examples of defiance in a Sentence

any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences the troubled youth seems to have an ingrained defiance to authority of any sort
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.
Five children in their nightclothes were clinging together in defiance, struggling not to scream and cry. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026 One defendant convicted by a jury continues to engage in noisy defiance. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 Baker’s portrayal emphasizes how creativity becomes an act of defiance against exclusion. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 LaPorte and fellow activist Santcha Etienne expressed defiance regarding the ruling. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defiance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffiaunce, defyaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French defiance, difiaunce, from defier, desfier "to renounce, challenge, defy entry 1" + -ance, -aunce -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defiance was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing defiance

Rhymes for defiance

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Browse Nearby Words

defial
defiance
defiant
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Cite this Entry

“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defiance

noun
de·​fi·​ance di-ˈfī-ən(t)s How to pronounce defiance (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of defying : challenge
2
: a tendency to resist : contempt of opposition

More from Merriam-Webster on defiance

Nglish: Translation of defiance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about defiance

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