Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even before the announcement about the plan to lift the shelter-in-place order, more people had been defying it.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2023

Then again, Katie Sowers had been defying expectations all her life.

From Washington Times • Jan. 25, 2020

In the run-up to a driving protest she helped organize in October 2013, she told journalists she had been defying the driving ban for at least two years.

From Washington Post • Jun. 23, 2018

The Doge suddenly dropped on a bench, as if overcome by the weariness and depression of spirits that he had been defying; but there was something unyielding and indomitable in Mary's aspect.

From Over the Pass by Palmer, Frederick

To be sure, Gray had been defying properly appointed officers of the government engaged in performing their sworn task.

From The Submarine Boys for the Flag Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam by Durham, Victor G.