resist

verb

ri-ˈzist How to pronounce resist (audio)
Definition of resistnext
as in to oppose
to refuse to give in to it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resist are combat, oppose, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

When can combat be used instead of resist?

Although the words combat and resist have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

In what contexts can oppose take the place of resist?

While in some cases nearly identical to resist, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might withstand be a better fit than resist?

The synonyms withstand and resist are sometimes interchangeable, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resist Henry’s story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating. —Greg Edwards, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Kay Jewelers Sapphire Shoelace Charm Can’t resist adding a touch of glam to your everyday shoes? —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025 The six others are reportedly facing charges of disorderly conduct, and one of them is also charged with resisting arrest, per My Central Jersey. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist
  1. oppose
  2. withstand
  3. fight
Verb
  • The legislation, Senate Bill 8, passed on a largely party-line vote of 87 to 59, with 13 Democrats opposed and one Republican, Rep. Tom Delnicki of South Windsor, in favor.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
  • During his campaign, Trump opposed US Steel being purchased by a foreign entity.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Definition of oppose
Verb
  • Enhancing community and regional resilience Regional resilience describes a region’s ability to withstand and adapt to challenges such as economic shocks and natural disasters.
    — Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Many fans withstood the inclement conditions to watch together in Central Park.
    — David Waldstein, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of withstand
Verb
  • Moving to Italy was a big jump and then moving here was another big jump: from Serie B to a big club that fights in European competition.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The current plan would lift the SALT cap from $10,000 to $30,000, but a handful of blue-state Republicans have been fighting to raise the cap higher.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

resilient
resist
resistance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resist. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on resist

Nglish: Translation of resist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

Is it 'used to' or 'use to'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'

And So It Begins: 9 Words for Beginnings
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All