Definitions

defied

[dih-fahyd] / dɪˈfaɪd /

VERB

challenge, frustrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront disregard elude flout ignore mock oppose provoke resist ridicule spurn thwart violate withstand

STRONG

baffle beard brave contemn dare defeat deride despise face foil front gibe insult repel repulse scorn slight stick venture

WEAK

fly in face of hang tough hurl defiance at make my day outdare stick fast take one on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist flatter help note pay attention praise regard respect

STRONG

abet admire attract commend compliment encourage give up hide like love

WEAK

give in obey surrender yield

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.

At that time, accumulating works by women and artists of color working with nontraditional materials that defied formal categories, wasn’t only uncommon — it wasn’t done.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

But Telemundo has defied such forecasts to become one of the nation’s hottest news outlets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Having never appeared ripped or sculpted, Fury has repeatedly defied conventional expectations of what a "fit" heavyweight should look like, relying on movement, reactions and ring IQ to outmanoeuvre opponents.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

U.S. job growth blew past expectations last month, a resilient rebound that defied concerns about a pending downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

We have defied the day as it was set out for us.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan