resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

a drug-resistant strain of virus

resistant

2 of 2

noun

: one that resists : resister

Examples of resistant in a Sentence

Adjective

These plants are resistant to cold temperatures.

He became resistant to the medication.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Both cultivars have an upright growth habit, good branching, and extremely hard wood for a storm-resistant structure. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2026

Similar to the neck wallets that Steves recommends wearing over or under your clothes, this small-but-mighty bag features slash-resistant panels and RFID-blocking card slots that make traveling hands-free a breeze. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026

Stick to hardwood-safe cleaners and reseal floors every few years with a UV-resistant product to maintain color and shine. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

The Vitis vinifera varietal (including cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and zinfandel), grafted onto a rootstock that is disease-resistant to phylloxera, is the ideal type of wine grapevine. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing resistant

• heat resistant
• vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
• water-resistant

Rhymes for resistant

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

ri-ˈzis-tənt

: giving, capable of, or showing resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

Medical Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

variants also resistent

-tənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

a drug-resistant strain of virus