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

When data sovereignty comes up in your next board meeting, resist the urge to reach for the map. — Emma McGrattan, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Less-ripe bananas contain more resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that resists breakdown, helping to slow digestion and potentially improve glucose handling. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2026

Democrats expect the White House to resist, and plan to subpoena private entities with ties to Trump directly to get around it. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

In resisting expansion over the years, Republicans have argued that the Medicaid program was broken and already too expensive and that uninsured people should instead be able to get coverage by finding a job that offers health benefits. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 4 Nov. 2026