defiant

American  

[dih-fahy-uhnt] / dɪˈfaɪ ənt /

adjective

1. characterized by defiance; boldly resistant or challenging.

   a defiant attitude.

   Synonyms:

   daring, insolent, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, contumacious, insubordinate

   Antonyms:

   obedient

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Other Word Forms

• defiantly adverb
• defiantness noun
• half-defiant adjective
• nondefiant adjective
• nondefiantness noun
• overdefiant adjective
• overdefiantness noun
• quasi-defiant adjective
• undefiant adjective

Etymology

Origin of defiant

First recorded in 1830–40; from French défiant, Old French, present participle of defier “to challenge, defy”; defy, -ant

Example Sentences

Following defeat at Tannadice, a defiant Nancy told reporters he had witnessed an "improved" performance.

From BBC

Some longtime observers worry the department is sliding back into a defiant culture of past eras.

From Los Angeles Times

It took Stokes' defiant 45 not out, from 151 balls, to ensure England were not bowling again by the close.

From BBC

After all, this is an institution that began life in a loft above a liquor store, something that might be remembered with defiant pride.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although they have been the most vocally defiant, it isn’t just the women.

From Salon