defiant

[ dih-fahy-uhnt ]

adjective

1. characterized by defiance; boldly resistant or challenging:

   a defiant attitude.

   Synonyms: daring, insolent, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, contumacious, insubordinate

   Antonyms: obedient

Other Words From

• de·fi·ant·ly adverb
• de·fi·ant·ness noun
• half-de·fi·ant adjective
• non·de·fi·ant adjective
• non·de·fi·ant·ness noun
• o·ver·de·fi·ant adjective
• o·ver·de·fi·ant·ness noun
• qua·si-de·fi·ant adjective
• un·de·fi·ant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defiant¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from French défiant, Old French, present participle of defier “to challenge, defy”; defy, -ant

Example Sentences

Pritzker, Polis and others like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have struck a defiant tone since Trump was elected president, promising to use all legal means at their disposal to protect their states against federal policies they deem harmful and unconstitutional.

From Salon

In legal filings, however, he was defiant, saying he “never made any comment that was even remotely offensive.”

From Los Angeles Times

A defiant Pep Guardiola says he relishes the challenge ahead for the season as Manchester City suffer their third defeat in a row across all competitions, losing 4-1 to Sporting CP on match week four of the Champions League.

From BBC

But even after his firing, Meyer struck a defiant tone.

From Salon

Tears roll down her cheek, but she is defiant.

From BBC