defied

past tense of defy
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as in dared
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat after missing the target, she defied her boyfriend to do better

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples 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 defied Today, at 27 years old, RJ has defied nearly every prediction on that list. Holly Robinson Peete, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 And even with that, 38 Republicans defied their president-elect. ABC News, 22 Dec. 2024 The county defied the state’s order, instead giving Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa temporary authority to redirect some county workers into the hall. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024 Whatever its rating, Gremlins features impressive practical effects and some delightful dark comedy, making for a well-rounded classic that defied genres and defined a generation. Huntley Woods, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 This year was one filled with astral displays that defied expectations and filled us here on Earth with a sense of wonder and awe about the universe that surrounds us. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 Yet one in five workers with only a high school diploma defied the odds, according to a new study by Burning Glass Institute, an independent nonprofit research center. The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Widowed at the age of 27, the icon defied many conventions, including mixing red and white wines. Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Travis Hunter, the two-way superstar who has defied all odds thus far, is taking home the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defied
Verb
  • Later, the government detained locals who dared to publicly criticize the corruption.
    Loubna Mrie, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Morrison dared to write aloud for Black folks what many discussed in private at dinner tables and on front porches.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Internationally, other cities have confronted and overcome similar challenges by optimizing workforce models, adopting phased planning, and leveraging standardized designs.
    Ankit Mishra, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • When confronted with the allegations, Lopez-Robles declined a police interview, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The leaders of those countries often resisted these efforts, stating that their new governments were too fragile to tolerate the proliferation of private groups that criticized their government’s policies.
    Johann Neem / Made by History, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The college resisted and went to court, reaching the Supreme Court, which ruled that Dartmouth’s charter was a contract that protected the institution from the state.
    Johann Neem / Made by History, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Instead of complying, the victim ignored the gun, refused to unlock the door and drove away, the sheriff’s office said.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Accusations of such crimes are often ignored, punished lightly or dismissed.
    Hurst Hannum, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His agent openly challenged reporting about Butler being open to a trade last month.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The Senate parliamentarian must also sign off on the package, confirming that the provisions have direct budgetary consequences, if an item is challenged.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, the deal has faced stiff bipartisan political opposition since the day it was announced.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Overcome the common fears Fear of failure or feeling too old to start a new business can prevent you from moving forward, but many successful entrepreneurs faced these same fears and still managed to build businesses that thrive.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Democratic leaders called the fight premature, and fiscal conservatives opposed raising the debt ceiling without spending reforms.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
  • However, reports suggest that WWE higher-ups are opposed to this match, fueling more questions about Cena's final year.
    Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near defied

Cite this Entry

“Defied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defied. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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