- marked by resistance or bold opposition, as to authority; challenging
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
de•fi•ant /dɪˈfaɪənt/USA pronunciation adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- relating to or marked by defiance:a defiant attitude.
de•fi•ant
(di fī′ənt),USA pronunciation adj.
de•fi′ant•ly, adv.
de•fi′ant•ness, n.
- characterized by defiance;
boldly resistant or challenging:a defiant attitude.
- French défiant, Old French, present participle of defier to defy; see -ant
- 1830–40
de•fi′ant•ness, n.
- insubordinate, contumacious, refractory, recalcitrant, rebellious, insolent; daring.
- obedient.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
defiant /dɪˈfaɪənt/ adj
'defiant' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
bold
- brandish
- defy
- bardy
- brazen
- disobedient
- farruca
- half-defiant
- insubordinate
- in-your-face
- punk rock
- quasi-defiant
- rebel
- rebellious
- thumb
- trace
- swagger