Synonyms of defy

defy

verb

di-ˈfī 

1

as in to disobey

to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of

in those days a woman was brave if she defied fashion and wore white after Labor Day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disobey
• ignore
• violate
• resist
• mock
• dismiss
• oppose
• reject
• rebel (against)
• fight
• disregard
• flout
• overlook
• withstand
• pass over
• revolt (against)
• transgress
• tune out
• break
• disoblige
• breach
• scorn
• scoff (at)
• combat
• shrug off
• infringe
• dispute
• wink (at)
• pooh-pooh
• contest
• brush (off)
• pooh
• mutiny (against)
• buck
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• follow
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• submit (to)
• mind
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• keep
• defer (to)
• concede (to)
• cooperate (with)
• observe
• agree (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• hear
• oblige
• goose-step (to)
• accede (to)
• listen (to)
• heed
• attend
• notice
• watch
• regard
• assent (to)
• mark
• note
• acquiesce (to)

2

as in to dare

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat

after missing the target, she defied her boyfriend to do better

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dare
• challenge
• confront
• stump
• brave
• breast
• brazen
• beard
• face
• outbrave
• outface

3

as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage

a rescue team willing to defy the raging storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confront
• face
• dare
• brave
• withstand
• stand up to
• resist
• breast
• beard
• encounter
• brazen
• meet
• outbrave
• outface
• fight
• challenge
• front
• stand
• oppose
• face up (to)
• approach
• affront
• repel
• combat
• accost
• battle
• contend (with)
• corner
• square (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• sidestep
• shirk
• dodge
• shun
• eschew
• duck
• evade
• escape
• elude
• shake
• funk

4

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to

a bicyclist who regularly defies illness and infirmity in order to compete in races

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resist
• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• contradict
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• contend (with)
• hinder
• buck
• contest
• frustrate
• counter
• obstruct
• dispute
• balk
• check
• stem
• battle
• baffle
• foil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• surrender (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Examples of defy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When a young boy from the protagonist’s neighborhood falls prey to a ruthless crime syndicate, 13 defies her mentor to save him — unleashing hell fury from all directions. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2024

However, Wilcox and Charlie defied some of the odds. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

And yet, co-directors Marah Strauch and Bryce Leavitt continuously defy expectations with a complex and thoughtful examination of one man’s soul-shattering grief. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2024

Heather Graham defied family's religious beliefs to do nude scene in ‘Boogie Nights.’ ‘WELCOME TO NEW YORK’ - Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce turn heads with Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds at romantic double date dinner. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 15 Oct. 2024