Synonyms of resistance

resistance

noun

ri-ˈzi-stən(t)s 

1

as in opposition

the inclination to resist

after some initial resistance, the city council warmed up to the proposed development plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• opposition
• objection
• protest
• defiance
• remonstrance
• disobedience
• noncompliance
• reservation
• recalcitrance
• compunction
• demur
• misgiving

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliance
• acquiescence
• approval
• acceptance
• obedience

2

as in underground

a secret organization in a conquered country fighting against enemy forces

soldiers from the resistance were captured after a skirmish outside the foreign ministry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• underground
• conspiracy
• cabal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resistance

In the two-thousands, criminal gangs in the southeast began emulating the practice—but as a way of making money rather than as an act of resistance. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Nonetheless, the quick collapse of the private equity proposal demonstrates that even a dominant FIFA president cannot override unified resistance from soccer’s most influential stakeholders. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Copycat protests sprang up in other major Indian cities—Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna—lending the Gen Z protests the aura of a nationwide youth resistance that would humble Modi and force his education minister to resign. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

The shirt has been worn by Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and the apparel features a rose and a knife to show that advocates will use both support and active, militant resistance to keep trans children safe from harm. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026