defiance
noun
de·fi·ance
di-ˈfī-ən(t)s 
dē-
2
: disposition to resist : willingness to contend or fight
dealing with a child's defiance
see also:
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
Recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the strait, which would be in defiance of international law, is one of Tehran’s main demands to end the war.
—
Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
What would be stupid is mandating the creation of a permanent underclass, driving the resentment and parallel societies that plagued Germany — and doing so in defiance of the Constitution.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
His exit was seen in some circles as a sign of defiance against the way Weiss has been managing CBS News.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
His work follows people who refuse the roles imposed on them, finding beauty, defiance, and political force in acts of becoming.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiance
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Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
What would be stupid is mandating the creation of a permanent underclass, driving the resentment and parallel societies that plagued Germany — and doing so in defiance of the Constitution.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
His exit was seen in some circles as a sign of defiance against the way Weiss has been managing CBS News.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
His work follows people who refuse the roles imposed on them, finding beauty, defiance, and political force in acts of becoming.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defiance
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
defiance
noun
de·fi·ance
di-ˈfī-ən(t)s
1
: the act or an instance of defying : challenge
2
: a tendency to resist : contempt of opposition
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