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
Relevance
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
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
Yet the unit also targets dissenters and those, including various clans, some backed by Israel, that dare to defy Hamas’s rule.
—
Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
And congrats to Gold House for defying categorization.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Oracle's meteoric rise continues to defy expectations.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Investors, in the meantime, are hailing Pop Mart, the company behind the global success of Labubu, as an economic slowdown-defying wonder.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
And congrats to Gold House for defying categorization.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Oracle's meteoric rise continues to defy expectations.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Investors, in the meantime, are hailing Pop Mart, the company behind the global success of Labubu, as an economic slowdown-defying wonder.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy
Verb
-
Hamas has called on residents of Gaza City to disobey the evacuation order.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Fischer faces charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, disobeying traffic control signals, failure to drive in the proper lane, disobeying the signal of an officer, failure to display plates and engaging police in a pursuit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Her collectedness collapses as Johnson turns the joke into a physical act-out, becoming almost insulted that this earthquake dared to frighten her.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Where are the bisexuals who are daring and creative and literally have the power to change or save the world?—
Catherine Mhloyi,
Them.,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But in reality, avoiding confronting your finances head-on and seeking a quick boost of dopamine instead only delays facing your anxiety.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Seydoux will lead the cast in the role of a renowned pianist who, after relocating with her family to the countryside, uncovers a life-shattering truth that forces her to confront the complexities of love, trust, and deception.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sky resisted, which has upset Asuka.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
The rug is suitable for high-traffic areas and is designed with durability in mind, with low-pile fabric that doesn’t shed and resists stains.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
What wasn’t said is hard to ignore.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Congress and state legislatures should investigate and hold the FDA accountable for ignoring overwhelming evidence of harm.—
Lila Rose,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement By the time of the civil rights movement, broader social and cultural changes had strengthened individuals’ sense of personal liberty, and activism challenged policy brutality and discretionary overreach.—
Time,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Encouraging private employers to fire people for expressing certain viewpoints risks encouraging viewpoint discrimination, chilling free speech, and may improperly challenge state laws that protect speech and off-duty conduct.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
One of the main challenges facing the economy is the strained relationship between Beijing and Washington as disputes over technology and geopolitics mount.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Jackson faced several setbacks this season but proved her fitness during the 100-meter dash rounds the past two days.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans, who say school security and improving mental health services are the best way to avoid future tragedies, have firmly opposed any new gun control measures.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Some residents criticized Touchstone, Vice Mayor Joy Smith and Eveillard, who formed a three-person majority on the five-seat board, for supporting a $30,000 raise for themselves while opposing an up-to 5% raise for city staff based on cost of living and merit.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share