Synonyms for defy
dɪˈfaɪ; ˈdi faɪde·fy

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.5 / 4 votes

1. defy

   Synonyms:
   scorn, challenge, provoke, despite, brave

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. defy, withstand, hold, hold upverb

   resist or confront with resistance

   "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held"

   Synonyms:
   accommodate, book, stand up, retain, moderate, view as, support, apply, hold back, harbour, hold out, take hold, bind, hold up, arrest, dare, live, take, have, concord, survive, live on, check, make, take for, go for, stand firm, keep, defend, control, harbor, deem, throw, obligate, carry, give, adjudge, entertain, nurse, oblige, curb, hold, stick up, last, confine, hold water, have got, go, endure, restrain, declare, withstand, agree, hold in, delay, halt, contain, concur, maintain, guard, keep back, sustain, prevail, reserve, admit, obtain, refuse, resist, detain, bear

   Antonyms:
   lend oneself, apply

2. defy, resist, refuseverb

   elude, especially in a baffling way

   "This behavior defies explanation"

   Synonyms:
   pass up, baulk, reject, stand, deny, resist, hold up, hold out, fend, hold, balk, dissent, decline, jib, turn away, stand firm, withstand, refuse, protest, turn down, dare

   Antonyms:
   apply, lend oneself

3. defy, dareverb

   challenge

   "I dare you!"

   Synonyms:
   hold up, refuse, make bold, dare, presume, withstand, resist, hold

   Antonyms:
   lend oneself, apply

Matched Categories

1. • Challenge

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:3.0 / 1 vote

1. defyverb

   Synonyms:
   challenge, dare, bid defiance to, hurl defiance at

2. defyverb

   Synonyms:
   brave, disregard, slight, scorn, spurn, despise, contemn, treat with contempt, trample on, set at naught, snap the fingers at

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. defyverb

   Synonyms:
   challenge, dare, spurn, flout, scorn

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "defy":

   challenge, defying, flout, defies, defiant

Suggested Resources

1. DEFY

   What does DEFY stand for? -- Explore the various meanings for the DEFY acronym on the Abbreviations.com website.

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How to use defy in a sentence?

1. Jerry Nadler:

   Article 3 of Nixon's impeachment was obstruction of Congress, refusing to obey defined congressional subpoenas, pleading imaginary privilege, and obviously that's what The President has been doing. Richard Nixon wasn't foolish to say in advance that Richard Nixon's going to defy all congressional subpoenas... and today we saw a witness instructed by the White House completely contemptuous of Congress who refused to answer relevant questions. Just another instance of obstruction of Congress and that's what Article 3 of the Richard Nixon impeachment was.

2. Sean Kirkpatrick:

   In our research, AARO has found no credible evidence thus far of extraterrestrial activity, off-world technology or objects that defy the known laws of physics.

3. Phil Robertson:

   This is a test case for whether rule of law really means anything in Thailand when the poor and powerless take on a state agency that has been negligent, if the (Pollution Control Department) can defy an order from the Supreme Administrative Court without facing severe consequences, it spreads the word that government agencies can do what they want.

4. President Obama:

   Now President Obama is doing what President Obama always does when President Obama does n’t get President Obama way, which is defy the will of the people and issue an executive order.

5. Justice Potter Stewart:

   The right to defy an unconstitutional statute is basic in our scheme. Even when an ordinance requires a permit to make a speech, to deliver a sermon, to picket, to parade, or to assemble, it need not be honored when it’s invalid on its face.