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)
• 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)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defy

The Behind Their Lens series, presented in partnership with IndieWire, celebrates cinematic powerhouses who defied the odds and obstacles to bring us some of the most influential and poignant films and television series in recent years. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026

Gross domestic product grew over three months ending in June, defying fear of a downturn triggered by the Iran war. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

The disdain liberal media outlets hurl at her isn't because Sweeney defied their values. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The docuseries, though, also looks at churches that defy this trend. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026