resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce resistant (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Jacintha, a horseback rider, was familiar with ketamine as a horse tranquilizer but had never heard of it as a last-stop mental health treatment for treatment-resistant patients like Lucy, who was diagnosed with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 According to MacRumors, Apple is also working on a new anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coating for the 17 Pro models. PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 While some brands are resistant to it, Purvis said the appearance and texture is finding its audience. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025 The introduction of fiber-optic drones has reduced the effectiveness of traditional jammers, since these systems are resistant to electronic warfare. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resistant

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resistant was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resistant. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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
: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance
often used in combination
a drug-resistant strain of virus

More from Merriam-Webster on resistant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!