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.

Ever since “Wicked” hit theaters last November, Cynthia Erivo has been defying gravity.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2025

Here, in their own words, the model and her mother Yvonne explain how Ellie has been defying expectations since the day she was born.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2023

The 52-year-old has been defying the laws of aging and did so again last weekend when she and Affleck made their red carpet debut as Bennifer 2.0 at the Venice Film Festival.

From Fox News • Sep. 13, 2021

The Rev. Tony Spell, pastor of the megachurch Life Tabernacle outside Baton Rouge, has been defying an emergency order by the governor banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2020

It will be a daunting task, but Rivera has been defying predictions of his pending demise for years.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2012