Synonyms of resist

resist

verb

ri-ˈzist 

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

• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• counter
• contradict
• buck
• contend (with)
• hinder
• contest
• obstruct
• frustrate
• stem
• check
• battle
• dispute
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

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

Recent Examples of resist

But Brian can’t resist warning his past self about the impending 9/11 attacks, and this results in a ripple effect that eventually transforms our characters’ world into a postnuclear hellscape. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

While the data remain inconclusive, the fulfillment of this promise may ultimately depend on whether directors anticipate rather than resist generational change. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Cher, Parton, Streisand, and Warwick have resisted these strictures. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026

South Africa’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate on hold, resisting market expectations for another hike after June inflation surged past its target. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 July 2026