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.

Only two players have defied that trend in the past two decades and both are all-time greats who can be considered outliers.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

China’s exports have defied trade uncertainty, but risks persist and domestic demand has remained subdued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Other kids might have defied the closures and gone anyway, but Anthony followed rules with inflexible intensity, Neal said, especially the ones he set for himself.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

However, Datadog tentatively appears to have defied that slump.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

If he gets it at all, he will have defied the odds.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times