in clear defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in clear defiance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that openly challenges or opposes something, often in a bold or unmistakable manner. Example: "The protesters marched in clear defiance of the new regulations imposed by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

American stature will surely decline further if we launch a war in clear defiance of the United Nations.

The New York Times

Mr. Cheney, in clear defiance of the law, has refused to release any information about his task force's deliberations; what is he hiding?

The New York Times

But by Monday – in clear defiance of both national and international law – he was on a private jet back headed for Sudan's capital, Khartoum.

The Guardian

"It's unthinkable that the Security Council should stand by whilst the dogs of war in Libya tear their enemies to pieces, in clear defiance of international law and of a resolution passed by the Security Council itself," he said.

The New York Times

The founding fathers believed otherwise and President Abraham Lincoln acted otherwise, issuing passports to free blacks and signing legislation that limited the extension of slavery, both in clear defiance of the Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott.

The New York Times

Allowing himself to be photographed nude from the waist up, in clear defiance of the 1905 Flannel and Wool and Earmuff Act banning any immodest public depiction of the Canadian body.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Located at the global cultural crossroads of the Caucasus, Azerbaijan stands in a clear defiance of the "Clash of Civilizations" paradigm.

Huffington Post

The speech now creates a clear dilemma for Mousavi and his supporters: do they return to the streets in open defiance of Khamenei or drop their demands?

The Guardian

That said, it was not clear whether Google would unilaterally stop censoring results on Google.cn, its China-based search engine, in open defiance of China's warnings.

The New York Times

He found the paper in "open defiance of the law".

The New York Times

His clearer defiance of the unpopular president has attracted large crowds to his rallies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in clear defiance" to emphasize a deliberate and unambiguous act of disobedience or resistance against a known rule, law, or authority. It highlights the actor's awareness and intentional disregard for the established order.

Common error

Avoid using "in clear defiance" when the opposition is subtle, unintentional, or based on misunderstanding. The phrase implies a conscious and overt rejection of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in clear defiance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with a deliberate and unambiguous disregard for rules, laws, or authority, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in clear defiance" is a prepositional phrase used to describe an action performed with deliberate and unambiguous disregard for a rule, law, or authority. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most frequently used in News & Media contexts. When writing, remember that the phrase implies a conscious and overt rejection of authority. Alternatives like "in blatant defiance" or "in open defiance" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in blatant defiance

Emphasizes the obvious and conspicuous nature of the defiance.

in open defiance

Highlights the overt and unconcealed nature of the defiant act.

in direct defiance

Stresses the immediate and head-on opposition involved.

in flagrant defiance

Suggests a shocking or scandalous level of disregard.

in outright defiance

Emphasizes the complete and unconditional nature of the defiance.

in bold defiance

Highlights the courage or audacity of the defiant action.

in stark defiance

Implies a sharp and obvious contrast between the action and what is being defied.

in complete disregard

Focuses on the lack of attention or respect given to the rule or authority.

in violation of

Indicates a breach or infringement of a law, rule, or agreement.

in contradiction of

Highlights the inconsistency or opposition between actions and stated principles.

FAQs

How can I use "in clear defiance" in a sentence?

You can use "in clear defiance" to describe actions that openly violate rules or laws. For example, "The company continued to operate "in clear defiance" of the environmental regulations."

What phrases are similar to "in clear defiance"?

Alternatives include "in blatant defiance", "in open defiance", and "in direct defiance". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in clear defiance" in formal writing?

Yes, "in clear defiance" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, legal documents, and academic analyses, where it's important to convey a sense of deliberate disobedience.

What is the difference between "in clear defiance" and "in violation of"?

"In clear defiance" emphasizes the attitude or intention of the actor, highlighting their open resistance. "In violation of", on the other hand, focuses on the act itself being against a rule or law, without necessarily implying a defiant attitude. You can say that somebody is acting "in clear defiance" of a law and therefore also acting "in violation of" it, but they are not necessarily synonyms.