Definition of RESIST

Choose the Right Synonym for resist

Verb

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something. oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare. opposed the plan combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. combat disease resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. resisting temptation withstand suggests a more passive resistance. trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of resist in a Sentence

Verb

He was charged with resisting arrest. These windows can resist very high winds. The drug will help your body resist infection. She couldn't resist telling us what she'd heard. He was able to resist the urge to tell her his secret. It was hard resisting the temptation to open the box. The offer was hard to resist. I know I shouldn't have any more cake, but I can't resist.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

No matter what, resist the urge to scrub, says Hyman, as that can damage the fibers and make the stain penetrate deeper. — Kelsey Ogletree, House Beautiful, "How to Clean Your Vintage Rug," 5 Mar. 2019 There's a reason the first carrier came out of the U.K. While the Royal Navy was convinced this blazing new technology had a big future, the United States Navy resisted the idea of carriers as a decisive weapon at sea. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "As It Begins Its Second Century, Is the Aircraft Carrier Obsolete?," 5 Nov. 2018 At the very least, the French team resists that tendency. — Laurent Dubois, The Atlantic, "France’s Ghosts Return for the World Cup," 14 July 2018 Still, as much as Gambino juggles the tropes of hip-hop and R&B, no one can resist the draw of making a summer hit. — Jason Parham, WIRED, "Childish Gambino and the Search for the Summer Anthem," 12 July 2018 These states argued that their slave populations should count towards their allocation of seats in the House and the weight given to their preferences when choosing a president; the other states resisted. — The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018 But the art which resists the slow sap of a chronic disease—which repairs frames enervated by lust, swollen by gluttony, or inflamed by wine . . — Chris Pope, WSJ, "‘More Than Medicine’ Review: An Ounce of Prevention," 17 Mar. 2019 The mining industry has resisted doing the same for hardrock mines, and Republicans in Congress have blocked the Democratic proposals. — Matthew Brown, The Seattle Times, "50M gallons of polluted water pours daily from US mine sites," 20 Feb. 2019 Dwarf, or Low-Growing, Boxwoods Sprinter (Buxus microphylla 'Sprinter') This Japanese boxwood is a fast-grower and resists boxwood blight, as well as winter burn (that singed look that shrubs get in spring after a particularly hard winter). — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "20 Best Boxwood Shrubs to Plant in Your Garden," 14 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

David Erickson, 43, of Garden City, was booked into the Ada County Jail on two felony charges of battery against law enforcement, one misdemeanor count of resist and obstruction and a misdemeanor count of trespassing, according to a release. — Michael Katz, idahostatesman, "Two local police officers injured after suspect becomes violent on Greenbelt | Idaho Statesman," 30 Mar. 2018 But the resist-Trump movement -- combined with more Hispanics moving into the region and the retirement of Royce and fellow GOP Rep. Darrell Issa in the nearby 49th district -- resulted in Democratic hopefuls piling into races. — Joseph Weber, Fox News, "In wild California primary, Democratic candidate sues over rivals' ballot entries, candidates eased out," 28 Mar. 2018 Head to her three-hour workshop for a history lesson and a hands-on tutorial in shibori (an ancient Japanese method of resist dyeing not unlike tie-dye). — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "West Elm Has Curated Workshops With its Favorite Local Artisans Across the U.S.," 13 Mar. 2018 With the support of UNHCR, RefuSHE also encourages economic empowerment by teaching the young women to make colorful scarves using resist-dyeing, a traditional East African technique similar to tie-dye. — Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, "Runway of Hope: Angelina Jolie Opens Up About a Different Kind of Fashion Show," 8 Mar. 2018 The indigo resist-dye style fabric seen on said dress is easily reminiscent of the oceanic textiles in Areté Complete's own designs. — Madeleine Luckel, Vogue, "From French Floral Prints to Blue Shibori, Bring New York Fashion Week Looks Into Your Home," 12 Feb. 2018 But many of the #resist leaders aren’t ready for a victory lap just yet. — Philip Elliott / Los Angeles, Time, "Here's What It Was Like to Watch the State of the Union With the Resistance," 31 Jan. 2018 Despite scarce resources and a broken-down infrastructure, learning the craft of resist-dyeing (or tie-dyeing) has helped them work toward economic independence through making their own scarves. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Nest Gathers Industry Leaders at the United Nations to Discuss the New Handworker Economy and the Future of Ethical Fashion," 11 Dec. 2017 But most resist, because random strings are hard to remember. — Jo Craven Mcginty, WSJ, "If ‘P@$$w0rd1’ Is So Simple to Figure Out, Then What Should You Do?," 18 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.