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defiant

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore D words

showing bold resistance or disobedience toward authority

Word origin: From Old French desfier, to renounce faith in or challenge.

In a sentence

Defiant in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing defiant in a sentence.

The defiant student refused to apologize even after being called to the principal's office.

Even after the verdict, the defendant remained defiant, insisting he would never recognize the court's authority.

Synonyms
insubordinaterebelliousrecalcitrantintractable
Antonyms
Usage & nuance

Using “defiant” well

Defiant describes someone who openly resists authority, pairing with rebellious and recalcitrant. The synonym intractable adds the sense of being impossible to manage or control.

Common questions

Questions about “defiant

Defiant (adjective) means showing bold resistance or disobedience toward authority
Here is defiant used in an example sentence: "The defiant student refused to apologize even after being called to the principal's office." Another example: "Even after the verdict, the defendant remained defiant, insisting he would never recognize the court's authority."
Common synonyms for defiant include insubordinate, rebellious, recalcitrant, intractable.
Antonyms of defiant include compliant, submissive, obedient.
Clusters with insubordinate, rebellious, recalcitrant, and intractable in Sentence Equivalence. Antonyms compliant, submissive, and obedient describe a cooperative stance.
Yes. Defiant is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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