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

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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 Things that need to change at home could seem excruciatingly clear to you, yet a roommate may resist any change whatsoever. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 Who can resist a dish that has this kind of name? —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026 One minor was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, among other things, and the other was charged with resisting arrest and interfering with public duties. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 Hernandez was convicted of disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting arrest without violence. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist
  1. oppose
  2. withstand
  3. fight
Verb
  • Hunters and non-hunters alike are opposing a mule deer eradication plan on Catalina Island that was recently approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Santa Clara, California — Mike Vrabel made his nnname in the NFL as a crunching outside linebacker, delivering punishment to opposing offenses and blowing up their plays on his way to winning multiple Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of oppose
Verb
  • The logic runs like this — these microbes have spent tens of thousands of years developing biological mechanisms to withstand freezing temperatures.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The company says these materials have been chosen to withstand years of use.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of withstand
Verb
  • For some people, dogs are a way to feel loved, to relieve pressures to have kids, to fight the drudgery of their job, to reduce the stress of the rat race and to connect with the outdoors.
    — Margret Grebowicz, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Ask a Native person why Native people have volunteered to fight in the US’s wars overseas, including in Korea, my homeland, and Vietnam, the most recent nation of origin of many of my refugee friends.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
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 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on resist

Nglish: Translation of resist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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