defiant
[dih-fahy-uhnt]
- characterized by defiance; boldly resistant or challenging: a defiant attitude.
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Origin of defiant
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
aggressive, audacious, bold, contumacious, daring, gutsy, insolent, insubordinate, mutinous, obstinate, provocative, rebellious, recalcitrant, reckless, refractory, resistant, sassy, truculent, resistive, challengingExamples from the Web for defiant
Contemporary Examples
Coursing beneath the polished surface of the love poems is something deep, dark, and defiant.
Shultz, who left the meeting early, told aides the president was “defiant” about going forward.
How the Reagan White House Bungled Its Response to Iran-Contra RevelationsMalcolm Byrne
November 3, 2014
AJAM chief executive officer Ehab Al Shihabi struck a defiant note.
Up from vicious poverty, abuse, and segregation, Holiday was a defiant and challenging presence.
If Rep. John C. Fleming has anything to do with it, the answer will be a defiant “no.”
Historical Examples
The day closed with the men of Thomas still grim and defiant.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
He quitted the room, and Annabel ran after him, laughing and defiant still.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
Lena nodded and went out, shutting the door with a defiant swing.
The Green Satin GownLaura E. Richards
There was a defiant note in her voice, and Massachusetts looked at her with surprise.
The Green Satin GownLaura E. Richards
He looked as defiant, indeed, as if he had heard bullets whizzing past him.
His MasterpieceEmile Zola
defiant
- marked by resistance or bold opposition, as to authority; challenging
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for defiant
adj.
1837, from French défiant, present participle of défier (see defy). Related: Defiantly.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper