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defiance Synonyms

Another word for defiance

Choosing another word for defiance depends on context, so the 13 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

Open, bold resistance or refusal to obey authority, rules, or an opposing force.

Usage Example

"The workers continued their strike in open resistance of the court order."

Strongest
resistance
insubordination
disobedience
Strong
rebellion
noncompliance
recalcitrance
contumacy
opposition
insolence

• noun (Context 2)

A challenge to meet in combat or a contest; an invitation to an adversary to do their worst.

Usage Example

"The champion shouted a fierce challenge across the field to his rivals."

Strongest
challenge
Strong
dare
provocation
confrontation

Opposites of defiance

The opposite of defiance shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

compliance
obedience
submission
capitulation
conformity
acquiescence
conciliation
deference
See all opposites of defiance

• Nearby Words

deferral
deferred
deffo
defiance
defiant
defiantly
defibrillator

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Defiance. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/defiance
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