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

The set includes two armchairs, a loveseat, and sleek glass-top coffee table, all crafted from waterproof, weather-resistant synthetic wicker to ensure years of enjoyment. —Melanie Fincher, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

According to the team, this high-strength concrete can be applied directly on the deck slabs and is extremely dense and resistant to water. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026

Plants are resistant to deer browsing and experience few insect or disease pests. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026

Though pricey, the women’s Arc’teryx Dias MX Pant features clean lines in a winterweight fabric that’s lightly weather resistant and stretchy. —Amelia Arvesen, Outside, 19 Feb. 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