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.
'defiantly' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):