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

Each contains five branches made from high-quality plastic that’s vibrant, lifelike, and UV resistant. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025

First, put the candle in a heat-resistant bowl in the sink. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025

With type 1 diabetes, the patient experiences a metabolic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it, per the CDC. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Each piece is designed with a tear-resistant interior, multiple pockets, and a garment restraint panel, which keeps your clothes in place during bumpy travel. —Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025

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