DEFECTING Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

defecting 1 of 2

adjective

as in apostate

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Dissimilar Words

defecting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of defect

as in emigrating

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defecting

Adjective

The president can call out the army against seceding states and their renegade congresspeople.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
As a substitute, the district had hired a renegade hippie, Bromley Stokes, who’d recently washed up in town.

— Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Definition of renegade

Verb

That simple, honorable point about the dignity of emigrating remains painfully controversial in Dean’s home country and here.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Cost of living and taxes ranked above political climate as the primary driver—cited by 68% of those open to emigrating, compared to 54% who named politics.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Definition of emigrating

Verb

Many of the missing are Hindu pilgrims, who were journeying to Kailash Mansarovar, a high-altitude site in Tibet revered by Hindus and Buddhists.

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
With the sun journeying through your secretive 12th house, this season sets the stage for something quieter and healing.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of journeying

Verb

Jiwan Jyoti, a US citizen, was traveling with Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company and has been listed by the group as missing.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Go Beyond the 4x4 Of course, traveling by Icelandic truck is part of the thrill, but the adventure extends well beyond the vehicle itself.

— Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of traveling

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“Defecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defecting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defecting

adjective

verb

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