DEFY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

defy

verb

di-ˈfī

Definition of defy

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

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as in to dare

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

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as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm

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as in to resist

to refuse to give in to a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races

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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 In ways that are hard to conceive of now, early-nineteenth-century politicians simply defied the Court. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Bill Belichick and North Carolina opened their 2026 season with an upset of TCU, defying a 9 1/2-point spread and a preseason of low expectations to win 15-10 on Saturday in Ireland. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 In recent months, Israeli settlers have repeatedly besieged the village of Qusra, defying orders from the authorities to leave the area and trying to force Palestinian families, some of whom are also American citizens, out. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Both projects defy downtown zoning rules that encourage high-density developments while baring drive-thrus. — Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defy

Verb

Jeanie Buss also wants proof that Joey and Janie Buss disobeyed the 2017 court order, along with an order requiring them to show cause of why they should not be held in contempt of court.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The violations are disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.

— Charlie D'Agata, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disobey

Verb

Sick and frail Despite Western appeals, the reformists ruling Serbia after Milosevic's fall did not dare move against a man who was a hero to a core of nationalist Serbs.

— Ivana Sekularac, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons told Gossard and Ament about a guy living in San Diego named Eddie Vedder, who had recently made an impression on Irons and his friends, Flea among them, with his daring antics on a camping trip.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of dare

Verb

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denied accusations that the government ignored warnings about an impending mass border crossing from Morocco to the enclave of Ceuta.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
The numbers are impossible to ignore, while Boteli’s bustling physical profile — two-footed, quick, and comfortable through the middle or out wide — means that a move to Europe’s top five leagues will soon be on the cards.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of ignore

Verb

Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Porter has staked his claim as the starter opposite Stokes, though rookies McCoy and Masses should continue to challenge him for that role throughout the season.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenge

Verb

Markey will now face Republican candidate John Deaton, who ran unopposed in the general election in November.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
The table then stows away, and the bench cushions rearrange to create a side-facing love seat positioned perfectly for viewing the drop-down projection screen just above the entryway.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of face

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defunds

defy

defying

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“Defy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defy

verb

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