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

---

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

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s top diplomat, became the chief messenger for a defiant regime after strikes decimated its leadership.

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

But Tehran's foreign minister struck a defiant tone on Monday.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

The civilians who remain – some unable to move, others defiant – are trying to carry on with their daily lives in the shadow of bomb sites.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

She looked defiant, not quite tough, but getting there.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega