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.
In addition to Redman, two California cities, Huntington Beach and Oroville, have defiantly declared themselves non-sanctuary cities. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Since this list was originally posted, John has officially retired from touring (for real this time — probably) and recruited Brandi Carlile to make Who Believes in Angels?, a defiantly alive album that rates among the best of either artist’s career. Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 Resistance music, bolstering a defiantly patriotic soundtrack for those assembling at hundreds of protests this weekend and beyond. Art, music, and rich writing give us reason to fight, to strive for a freer tomorrow. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 Yet Murillo, born a year after Scolari uttered those words, remains defiantly committed to his understanding of the meaning of Brazilian football. Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 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 23 Apr. 2025.

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