defiance
noun
de·fi·ance
di-ˈfī-ən(t)s 
dē-
Phrases
in defiance of
: contrary to : despite
seemingly in defiance of the laws of physics
He returned to the pulpit May 22 in defiance of an order by church leaders banning him from television preaching for one year.—
Daniel E. Kubiske
Daniel E. KubiskeSynonyms
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
Winehouse’s defining album, Back to Black, sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, and her unique mix of jazz and soul with punk-era defiance would go on to influence artists like Adele, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
And also the Cold War, when punk bands on either side of the Wall made music in defiance of national aims.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
Because categories like defiance and disorderly conduct are often defined broadly at the state level, teachers and administrators have wide latitude in interpreting them, according to interviews with dozens of researchers, educators, lawyers and discipline reform advocates.
—Sarah Butrymowicz, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024
If so, analysts may celebrate Ukraine’s defiance and criticize the slow pace of Russian advances.
—Dominic Tierney, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2024
From the pen of a composer clouded in deafness and declining health, the monumental Diabelli Variations exploded one of the classical era’s most popular musical forms into a transcendent statement of independence, defiance, and resilience.
—Detroit Free Press, 22 Mar. 2024
Her character’s cleansing disgust exudes the thorny defiance so many of us recognize as a principled protest to insurmountable economic, social and political ills.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
In the weeks since Navalny’s death, the simple act of laying flowers has become a show of political defiance, with scores of people arrested at memorials and following the funeral.
—Serhiy Morgunov, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Opinion: This Easter, hope is an act of will and a gesture of defiance.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
And also the Cold War, when punk bands on either side of the Wall made music in defiance of national aims.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
Because categories like defiance and disorderly conduct are often defined broadly at the state level, teachers and administrators have wide latitude in interpreting them, according to interviews with dozens of researchers, educators, lawyers and discipline reform advocates.
—Sarah Butrymowicz, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024
If so, analysts may celebrate Ukraine’s defiance and criticize the slow pace of Russian advances.
—Dominic Tierney, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2024
From the pen of a composer clouded in deafness and declining health, the monumental Diabelli Variations exploded one of the classical era’s most popular musical forms into a transcendent statement of independence, defiance, and resilience.
—Detroit Free Press, 22 Mar. 2024
Her character’s cleansing disgust exudes the thorny defiance so many of us recognize as a principled protest to insurmountable economic, social and political ills.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
In the weeks since Navalny’s death, the simple act of laying flowers has become a show of political defiance, with scores of people arrested at memorials and following the funeral.
—Serhiy Morgunov, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Opinion: This Easter, hope is an act of will and a gesture of defiance.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defiance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near defiance
Cite this Entry
“Defiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiance. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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