defiant

American  

[dih-fahy-uhnt] / dɪˈfaɪ ənt /

adjective

1. characterized by defiance; boldly resistant or challenging.

   a defiant attitude.

   Synonyms:

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

   Antonyms:

   obedient

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Other Word Forms

• defiantly adverb
• defiantness noun
• half-defiant adjective
• nondefiant adjective
• nondefiantness noun
• overdefiant adjective
• overdefiantness noun
• quasi-defiant adjective
• undefiant adjective

Etymology

Origin of defiant

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

Example Sentences

Analysts say the conflict has strengthened hardliners in Tehran where the rhetoric is defiant and increasingly confident.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

His neighbour, Barhan Omar, the bank manager, strikes a more defiant note, warning of the risk of a new Palestinian uprising as pressure builds up.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Once hostilities began, Araghchi struck a defiant tone over missile and drone attacks on Iran’s neighbors, even while he insisted he had no influence to stop them, the Arab officials say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It pairs majestically with Weaving’s defiant chin and gleaming eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

She came out looking defiant and said, “I told them that Grandma hit you with a spoon and that she made me taste hot sauce when I didn’t want to.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter