Synonyms of resist

resist

verb

ri-ˈzist 

as in to oppose

to refuse to give in to

it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• counter
• contradict
• buck
• contend (with)
• hinder
• contest
• obstruct
• frustrate
• stem
• check
• battle
• dispute
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resist are combat, oppose, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

When can combat be used instead of resist?

Although the words combat and resist have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

In what contexts can oppose take the place of resist?

While in some cases nearly identical to resist, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might withstand be a better fit than resist?

The synonyms withstand and resist are sometimes interchangeable, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resist

These goals provide you with the direction and motivation needed to make consistent progress and resist financial distractions. —True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The State Bar plans to ask the California Supreme Court to adjust test scores for February exam takers but has resisted returning to the National Conference of Bar Examiners exams for July, citing test security concerns with remote testing options. —ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025

When Harvard resisted those changes, the administration announced plans to cut $2.2 billion in grants and contracts to the university. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025

The president also couldn’t resist a playful shout-out to his wife. —Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025