outright defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

"outright defiance" is a correct phrase, and is commonly used in written English.
It implies that an individual is willfully and openly resisting or refusing something. Example: Mary showed outright defiance when her parents asked her to clean her room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At times, this good-will campaign sounded more like outright defiance.

The New York Times

And when the situation is critical, contrariness can turn to outright defiance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, Roosevelt inched toward "outright defiance," in the words of one aide, and dictated a speech to have on hand.

The New Yorker

"There is no such thing as racial discrimination in employment in the 11th Circuit," Mr. Bright said, adding that the court's response to the Supreme Court's ruling in the Hithon case amounted to "outright defiance".

The New York Times

And when Kramer explains how he would have the people "take back" their constitutional birthright, it's not surprising that he views wistfully "outright defiance" of the court's contentious decisions, "like those on abortion and school prayer".

The New York Times - Books

He recalled two episodes of outright defiance from his Unscom days, one where inspectors were surrounded and held prisoner in a parking lot, another where an Agriculture Ministry building was blocked for weeks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Jewish and Israeli attitudes toward the falafel debate range from defiance to ambivalence to outright shame -- just as they do toward the conflict at large.

The New York Times - Food

Across the league, players and staff showed their frustration with persistent racism in the United States and defiance of President Donald Trump with an array of different gestures that included outright abstentions from the anthem, kneeling while it played, and locking arms in solidarity. .

Huffington Post

Sillitoe's characters were that much more anarchic and tatterdemalion, their solidarity only the low-level defiance of the street that bands together against the tallyman or the police detective and frequently descends into outright lawlessness.

The Guardian - Books

It was defiance for defiance's sake.

The New Yorker

Even sweeter defiance?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outright defiance" to describe situations where the resistance is not only clear and unambiguous, but also carries a strong sense of willfulness and challenge to authority. For example, "The protestors' actions were interpreted as an act of outright defiance against the government's policies."

Common error

Avoid using "outright defiance" when the situation involves simple disagreement or mild opposition. This phrase implies a strong and deliberate act of resistance, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outright defiance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state or act of overt and unmistakable resistance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outright defiance" is a noun phrase used to describe a clear, unmistakable, and often willful act of resistance or rebellion. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure that the situation warrants the strong connotation of open and unapologetic resistance that "outright defiance" conveys, and consider alternatives like "open rebellion" or "blatant disregard" for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brazen defiance

This option is slightly more intense, suggesting shameless and audacious resistance.

unapologetic resistance

This alternative directly emphasizes the lack of remorse or regret in the act of resisting, clarifying a specific aspect of "outright defiance".

complete noncompliance

This phrase emphasizes the total refusal to adhere to a requirement or instruction, shifting the focus to the absence of obedience.

open rebellion

This alternative suggests a more organized and active form of resistance than "outright defiance".

flagrant disobedience

This alternative emphasizes the act of disobeying, highlighting the violation of a command or regulation more explicitly than "outright defiance".

blatant disregard

This phrase focuses on the lack of respect or attention given to a rule or authority, differing slightly from the active resistance of "outright defiance".

bold opposition

This phrase highlights the courage and confidence in expressing disagreement, shifting the focus from resistance to the act of opposing.

sheer insubordination

This alternative focuses on the refusal to submit to authority, emphasizing the rebellious aspect.

direct contravention

This phrase uses more formal language and emphasizes a direct violation or contradiction of a rule or order.

explicit refusal

This alternative shifts the focus from the act of defiance to the clear and unambiguous rejection of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "outright defiance" to describe acts of open and unapologetic resistance to authority or rules. For example, "His refusal to follow the company's policy was an act of "outright defiance"."

What are some alternatives to "outright defiance"?

Some alternatives to "outright defiance" include "open rebellion", "blatant disregard", or "unapologetic resistance", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "outright defiance" and "simple disobedience"?

"Outright defiance" implies a bolder, more visible, and often more purposeful resistance than simple disobedience. Disobedience can be passive or subtle, while "outright defiance" is usually active and conspicuous.

When is it appropriate to use the term "outright defiance"?

Use "outright defiance" when someone openly and intentionally resists a command, rule, or authority in a way that is unmistakable and often challenging. It's stronger than simply disagreeing or failing to comply.