RESISTANCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

resistance

noun

ri-ˈzi-stən(t)s

Definition of resistance

as in opposition

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 resistance Emma’s resistance to the bland wholesomeness of recovery spaces speaks to a familiar cultural trope across media, in films and television shows; that sobriety is where flamboyance goes to die. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Based on that, Cook believes the developer still wants to proceed with the data center, despite public resistance and water access hurdles. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026 Jackson is resisting The newest member of the court continues to build a reputation as the justice of resistance. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Digital transformation succeeds when technology complements people and equips them with new skills, rather than creating uncertainty or resistance to change. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for resistance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resistance

Noun

And Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her ruling Liberal Democratic Party are among the sternest voices of opposition to such a change.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Advertisement The biggest difference between another Netanyahu government and an opposition win lies in each side’s approach to a battered but newly emboldened government in Tehran.

— Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of opposition

Noun

For the past half-decade, evilgiane and his Surf Gang collective have had their hands all over the quirkiest and most effervescent sounds of rap’s underground and mainstream.

— Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
Taking the dance sensation out of New York's gay underground and on the road, the singer vogued her way around the world on her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour, which kicked off in Japan that April.

— Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of underground

Noun

At the time, the Department of Justice argued that the president could sidestep the Insurrection Act to send armed troops into American streets over the objection of local leaders.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
When a videographer understands the audience’s doubts, objections or knowledge gaps, the script, visuals and tone become more intentional.

— Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of objection

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resist

resistance

resistances

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“Resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resistance. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of resistance

noun

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