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

Asked about the resistance he meets from Odesites who are proud of their heritage as a multicultural port to the world, he is defiant.

From BBC

Many educational leaders were openly defiant, and quickly identified potential loopholes in the court’s decision.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rodríguez's tone has been alternating between defiant and conciliatory since she was designated interim president by Venezuela's Supreme Court.

From BBC

His speech was upbeat, defiant and, most of all, confident.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite initially striking a defiant tone, on Sunday she signaled her willingness to work with the U.S. and has spoken with Rubio.

From The Wall Street Journal