Find Antonyms

defy Antonyms

Opposite of defy

Because the opposite of defy shifts with each meaning, the 11 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To openly resist, disobey, or refuse to submit to an authority, law, or convention.

Usage Example

"The activist chose to obey the unjust curfew by remaining in the public square."

Strongest
obey
comply
submit
Strong
yield
surrender
conform
capitulate

• verb (Context 2)

To prove impossible to do, explain, or describe; to elude or resist successfully (especially of a quality, phenomenon, or problem).

Usage Example

"The sheer scale and beauty of the canyon admit description."

Strong
admit
Weak
allow

• verb (Context 3)

To challenge someone to do something considered impossible or improbable.

Usage Example

"I discourage anyone to watch that comedy performance without laughing out loud."

Strong
discourage
Weak
deter

Similar words to defy

Words similar to defy shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

disobey
dare
challenge
resist
elude
flout
baffle
confound
See all synonyms of defy

• Nearby Words

defund
defuse
defuser
defy
degeneracy
degenerate
degeneration

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Defy. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/defy
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