Synonyms for defy
dɪˈfaɪ; ˈdi faɪ

Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate these synonyms:

1. defy, withstand, hold, hold up(verb)

   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, refuse(verb)

   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, dare(verb)

   challenge

   "I dare you!"

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

   Antonyms:
   lend oneself, apply

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms(2.50 / 4 votes)Rate these synonyms:

1. defy

   Synonyms:
   scorn, challenge, provoke, despite, brave

Dictionary of English Synonymes(3.00 / 1 vote)Rate these synonyms:

1. defy(v. a.)

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

2. defy(v. a.)

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

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated Words(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate these synonyms:

1. defy(v)

   Synonyms:
   challenge, dare, spurn, flout, scorn

PPDB, the paraphrase database(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate these paraphrases:

1. List of paraphrases for "defy":

   challenge, defying, flout, defies, defiant

How to pronounce defy?

Alex

US English

Daniel

British

Karen

Australian

Veena

Indian

How to say defy in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use defy in a sentence?

1. Brian Chavez-Ochoa:

   There have been statements made that any businesses that (defy the order) could have their business license pulled, their electricity turned off, and things of that nature. if they take steps that prevent him from opening up, we'll seek redress in the federal court.

2. Elijah Cummings:

   Yesterday, President Trump declared to the entire country that President Trump would obstruct Congress and order all White House officials to defy lawful subpoenas from Congress, today, the Trump Administration went even further by expanding this policy to employees at federal agencies — even when the subpoenas are bipartisan and supported by Republican Members of Congress.

3. Kevin Landis:

   The Dow Jones is such a backwards-looking list, I cringed when Intel and Microsoft were added, i'm cringing today. Let's hope Apple can defy the forces of history.

4. 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.

5. Ehsan Sehgal:

   To defy and violate one's privacy is the transgression, and it falls under an ugly crime.

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