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Synonyms

in defiance of

Idioms  

  1. In spite of, with outright disregard for, as in They went on strike in defiance of union policy. This term was first recorded in 1750.

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.

The dam, which is 30% complete, was meant to be an architectural centerpiece—bowing outward, in defiance of standard engineering in which dams arc inward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow had successfully tested a nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone, in defiance of Washington's warnings.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

When the president died, his supporters tried to install Mutharika as leader in defiance of the constitution, but ultimately Banda prevailed and became Malawi's first female president.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025

That explains why a number of schools and businesses closed for the holiday in 2024 in defiance of the official change.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025

My whole relationship with Art3mis was in defiance of all common sense.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.