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

During the Carter administration, Stansfield Turner, the director of the CIA, again broached the idea of economic espionage internally at the agency but also met with strong resistance. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

War takes center stage in Roman Bondarchuk and Vadym Ilkov’s mosaic-style Recovery, which reframes Ukraine’s reconstruction as resistance. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

With both Verstappen and Hamilton returning to form, Antonelli's dream run is finally seeing some resistance. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Fleisher encourages her patients to up the frequency, resistance or intensity of their activity as their fitness improves. — Jennifer Fields, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026