defiantly

adverb

de·​fi·​ant·​ly di-ˈfī-ənt-lē How to pronounce defiantly (audio)
dē-
: in a defiant manner : in a way that is full of or shows a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight
She spoke out defiantly against the proposed law.
As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.Jonathan Alter
Though restrained, the women do not lack independence, and they wag their tongues as defiantly as ever.Jason Farago

Examples of defiantly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hunter, on the other hand, keeps his gaze locked on the near-at-hand, and, defiantly optimistic, offers the possibility of repair. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 Every so often, Canadians are defiantly not-American. Ken Dryden, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2025 At a news conference shortly after the Trump administration's announcement, Hochul defiantly insisted the cameras that help collect the tolls will remain on and blasted Trump for his gloating. Steve Kopack, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2025 When Rambo defiantly returns to the town and walks around looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, Teasle arrests him and shoves him into a county jail cell. Jessica Sager, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defiantly

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defiantly was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Defiantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defiantly. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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