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

The resulting single is playful and defiant — the perfect combination for a song of the summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

With opposition factions still standing defiant after the poll, the conflict and ensuing humanitarian crisis show no sign of abating.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

He recalled a drab maze of run-down buildings inside a vast wooded compound whose tedious daily rhythms moved to the whims of wardens that rewarded the cooperative and punished the defiant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It pairs majestically with Weaving’s defiant chin and gleaming eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

She came out looking defiant and said, “I told them that Grandma hit you with a spoon and that she made me taste hot sauce when I didn’t want to.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter