adjective
Uncommon
defiant
dih-FEYE-uhnt
Defiant (adjective) means Boldly resisting authority, opposition, or a challenge. Example: “The defiant teenager refused to apologise.”
adjective
1
Boldly resisting authority, opposition, or a challenge.
"But the demonstrators remained defiant, pouring into the streets by the thousands and venting their anger over political corruption, the high cost of living and huge public spending for the World Cup and the Olympics."
— Simon Romero, Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders (2013)
"The defiant teenager refused to apologise."
"She gave a defiant speech to her critics."
"Gunshots rang out in the capital Abuja and also in the neighboring Niger state as police lobbed tear gas to disperse defiant protesters. In Niger, at least six people are now feared dead, local media reported."
— Nimi Princewill and Stephanie Busari, Violence erupts as Nigerians protest hunger across the nation (2024)
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Word forms
- Plural
- defiants
- Comparative
- more defiant
- Superlative
- most defiant
Fill the gap
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The _____ teenager refused to apologise.
Etymology
From French défiant, from défier ("to defy"); a doublet of "diffident."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for defiant
See all rhymes for defiant →Frequently asked questions
What does “defiant” mean?
The word “defiant” means boldly resisting authority, opposition, or a challenge.
How do you pronounce “defiant”?
“Defiant” is pronounced dih-FEYE-uhnt (/dɪˈfaɪənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “defiant” in a sentence?
Here is “defiant” used in a sentence: “The defiant teenager refused to apologise.”
What is another word for “defiant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “defiant” include dareful, rebellious, recalcitrant and truculent.
What is the opposite of “defiant”?
The opposite of “defiant” — its antonyms — are docile, obedient, submissive and dominant.
What part of speech is “defiant”?
“Defiant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “defiant” come from?
The word “defiant” comes from French. From French défiant, from défier ("to defy"); a doublet of "diffident.".
Is “defiant” a common word?
“Defiant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
