Synonyms for defy

Most common

withstand · hold · endure · resist · refuse · flout

Synonyms by meaning

Verb

Antonyms

obey, cower, abide

All antonyms of defy →

Definitions

1. v. 1

   To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).

   to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion

2. v. 2

   To refuse to obey.

   If you defy your teacher you may end up in detention.

3. v. 3

   To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.

Related words

Word family

defier defiance defiant

Forms

Past participle

defied
e.g. defied → endured, resisted, refused, flouted…

Example sentences

• withstand My house is designed to withstand an earthquake.
• refuse I didn't really think Tom would refuse to do that.
• resist Tom and Mary said they couldn't resist doing that.
• flout I decided to flout the rules and stay out past curfew.
• dare After what has happened, I dare not see her again.
• oppose Were I in your position, I would oppose that plan.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

4 letters

hold¹, dare¹, mock¹

5 letters

brave¹, beard¹, scorn¹, flout¹

6 letters

refuse², resist², oppose², endure²

7 letters

affront², disobey³

9 letters

challenge², disregard³, withstand²

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (refuse² = 2 syllables).