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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiant
That leaves a weakened but defiant Hamas still ruling Gaza, 15 months after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a massive attack on the organization in retaliation for its murderous raid on Israel.
—
Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Jan. 2025
Still, Pasha’s interactions with current and former students demonstrate his unique place within the academic ecosystem, and the conviction that guides his defiant documentation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
In hindsight the music was invincible: defiant, purposeful, rightfully confident in its breakthroughs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
But the former Fox News host struck a defiant tone as support for his confirmation appeared to be in doubt and Mr. Trump stood behind his pick.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defiant 
Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Jan. 2025
Still, Pasha’s interactions with current and former students demonstrate his unique place within the academic ecosystem, and the conviction that guides his defiant documentation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
In hindsight the music was invincible: defiant, purposeful, rightfully confident in its breakthroughs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
But the former Fox News host struck a defiant tone as support for his confirmation appeared to be in doubt and Mr. Trump stood behind his pick.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiant
Adjective
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Luna will meet with rebellious Uranus in a surprising trine, bringing a jolt of excitement and unexpected revelations to your love life.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
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The wildly rebellious press across Europe are a vibrant sign of its free speech.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The shocking defeat of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham prompted a groundswell of domestic and international optimism.—
Jesse Marks,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
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Nearly 3,000 people were killed over the past week in fighting between a rebel group and Congolese armed forces, the U.N. estimated.—
Natasha Frost,
New York Times,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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America’s stubborn division was reflected at the nation on the largest stage possible.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
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The telescope now named for her will help unravel the stubborn mystery surrounding it.—
Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt,
TIME,
8 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near defiant
Cite this Entry
“Defiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiant. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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