resist

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

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.
Recent Examples of resist Walnut also resists scratches, reducing spaces where bacteria can grow. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025 Autonomous testing solutions are gaining ground, and resisting them doesn't seem like the best step. Oleg Sadikov, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 But the Dodgers are resisting the urge and slow-walking his progress. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 15 May 2025 Farthing is being charged with one felony count of battery on a law enforcement officer and two misdemeanor counts of battery and resisting an officer, according to online court records. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist
Verb
  • Some suffragists argued that immigrants opposed suffrage for women and prohibition, and therefore immigrant voting posed a threat to their agenda.
    Time, Time, 19 May 2025
  • In California, 59 percent of voters opposed cash reparations in a 2023 poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
    Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Last year, adding to their arsenal, the aquarium received several elkhorn corals from Honduras that appeared to withstand hotter-than-normal temperatures.
    Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Operational resilience is the ability of a building to withstand, recover from and adapt to these threats without compromising function or safety.
    Dan Drogman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Moving to Italy was a big jump and then moving here was another big jump: from Serie B to a big club that fights in European competition.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The current plan would lift the SALT cap from $10,000 to $30,000, but a handful of blue-state Republicans have been fighting to raise the cap higher.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resist. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resist

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