Defy
Defy verb - To go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of.
Usage example: in those days a woman was brave if she defied fashion and wore white after Labor Day
Withstand is a synonym for defy in oppose topic. In some cases you can use "Withstand" instead a verb "Defy", when it comes to topics like challenge, contradict, resist. popular alternative
Withstand
Withstand verb - To refuse to give in to.
Usage example: trying to withstand the temptation to use the beautiful weather as an excuse to take a mental health day
Defy is a synonym for withstand in oppose topic. You can use "Defy" instead a verb "Withstand", if it concerns topics such as endure, contradict, resist. popular alternative
Nearby Word: withstanding
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Withstand and Defy. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/defy/withstand
Defy & Withstand. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/defy/withstand>.
Withstand or Defy. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/defy/withstand.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "defy" and "withstand" have occurred on timeline