defiance
1 synonym and 2 antonyms for defiance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Open, bold resistance to authority or opposition.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use defiance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in defiance of
act of defiance
open defiance
Etymology
From Old French desfiance, from desfier, ultimately built on the same root as "defy."
Full origin of defiance →Frequently asked questions
What does “defiance” mean?
The word “defiance” means open, bold resistance to authority or opposition.
How do you pronounce “defiance”?
“Defiance” is pronounced dih-FEYE-uhns (/dɪˈfaɪ(j)əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “defiance” in a sentence?
Here is “defiance” used in a sentence: “The protesters marched in open defiance of the curfew.”
What part of speech is “defiance”?
“Defiance” is a noun.
Where does the word “defiance” come from?
The word “defiance” comes from Old French. From Old French desfiance, from desfier, ultimately built on the same root as "defy.".
Is “defiance” a common word?
“Defiance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
