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

Left-wing critics—including members of his own party—have resisted his attempts to cut welfare spending, and argue that Britain hasn’t sufficiently criticized Israel’s war in Gaza. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025

The clip, which has been liked more than 37,000 times, shows the small dog dramatically resisting his owner's efforts to relocate it. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

Legislators resisted attempts to weaken the seminal legislation. —Time, 12 Sep. 2025

As part of the plea deal, additional charges of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and resisting or obstructing a peace officer were dismissed, according to court records. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025