resisted; resisting; resists
1
: to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat
he resisted temptation
2
: to withstand the force or effect of
material that resists heat
: to exert force in opposition
I know I shouldn't, but I can't resist.
often attributive
: something (such as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action
Examples of resist in a Sentence
Verb
He was charged with resisting arrest.
These windows can resist very high winds.
The drug will help your body resist infection.
She couldn't resist telling us what she'd heard.
He was able to resist the urge to tell her his secret.
It was hard resisting the temptation to open the box.
The offer was hard to resist.
I know I shouldn't have any more cake, but I can't resist.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Research on leisure guilt is in its infancy, but my own struggles have shown me a few ways to resist the pressure to be productive every spare minute.
—Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
It’s made of water-repellent nylon that also resists stains and dries quickly.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2025
Walter Corea Sanchez was charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting an officer, grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and other allegations, according to a DA’s Office statement.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for resist
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Verb
Police arrived at the Upper Darby Township residence to find Diane naked, covered in blood and resisting officers’ commands, per the complaint.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Research on leisure guilt is in its infancy, but my own struggles have shown me a few ways to resist the pressure to be productive every spare minute.
—Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
It’s made of water-repellent nylon that also resists stains and dries quickly.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2025
Walter Corea Sanchez was charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting an officer, grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and other allegations, according to a DA’s Office statement.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for resist
Cite this Entry
“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resist. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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