Meaning & use

defiantly

adverb·Academic

In a manner that shows bold, open resistance to authority, opposition, or expectation.

See it in a sentence

The teenager crossed her arms and stared defiantly at her parents.

He defiantly refused to sign the statement despite pressure from his lawyers.

A note on using this word

Defiantly emphasizes an open, visible refusal to comply, stronger than simply 'stubbornly' or 'reluctantly'.

Words with a similar meaning

rebelliouslyboldly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

obedientlysubmissively

Make it your own

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