1
as in resisting
opposed to something or refusing to agree or obey
The toddler was resistant to trying vegetables. His parents were set in their ways and resistant to the changes brought about by technology.
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2
as in persistent
having or showing determination to do or continue something
The resistant athletes did not give up even when they were losing the game. He was quite resistant, able to bounce back after even large setbacks in his career.
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as in challenger
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of resistant
Mallory Locklear, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
By the start of 2023, the SBU learned to make its communication systems more resistant to outside interference.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2026
McKinsey's research is direct on this point — managers and senior practitioners who set the cultural tone are often the most resistant to change because their current methods work reasonably well and the learning curve feels daunting.
—Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026
First, there were metro areas in the West and Northeast, often near the coasts, in places like California, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts, which were resistant to building new housing in the face of rising demand.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for resistant
Adjective
Ostriches, for example, are highly resistant to viruses, while sharks rarely develop cancer.
—Mallory Locklear, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
By the start of 2023, the SBU learned to make its communication systems more resistant to outside interference.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2026
McKinsey's research is direct on this point — managers and senior practitioners who set the cultural tone are often the most resistant to change because their current methods work reasonably well and the learning curve feels daunting.
—Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026
First, there were metro areas in the West and Northeast, often near the coasts, in places like California, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts, which were resistant to building new housing in the face of rising demand.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for resistant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resistant
Adjective
-
Regular applications of organic neem oil spray can significantly reduce persistent pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
-
But the late-Baroque facade of the building conceals a special, darker history, one that reflects persistent political and legal problems for the bank thousands of miles away, in the US.—
Hugo Miller,
Bloomberg,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the 2022 general election, Giannoulias won his race with 54% of the vote over his challenger, Republican Dan Brady of Bloomington.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Two incumbents on the nonpartisan Gwinnett County Board of Education will face challengers.—
Cassidy Alexander,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Elward said Traynere was using the email to gain a political advantage and learn what members of the opposing party were thinking.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In the game, when a player kills multiple opponents without also dying, they are rewarded with the ability to conduct a missile strike to exterminate an opposing team.—
Casey Ryan Kelly,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Early connections should feel easier as affectionate Venus forms a supportive sextile with intense Pluto, encouraging us to handle stubborn issues with honest talks and practical teamwork.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Spend less time focusing on prep and cleaning and more time focusing on the food with our favorite kitchen tools, which can make poached eggs in minutes, reseal bags of ingredients, open stubborn jars, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tanimoto, as the last living Block 42 resister, carries a singular piece of that history — a controversy and act of resistance within the walls of confinement that illustrated the dilemma faced by people imprisoned by their own country without accusation of a crime.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Sherrill focused many of her critiques on ICE and Trump’s immigration policies, positioning the state as a major resister of Trump’s deportation plans.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
His villains were flamboyant, but Bruce was mournful, reluctant — no onscreen superhero has more palpably wrestled with not wanting to be a superhero.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But the state has been reluctant to hinder growth.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat again played Adebayo and Ware together and the results were again positive.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
There is one bit of positive news — despite the high prices, most analysts don’t see any fuel shortages on the horizon.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But as the hour goes on, even the most hesitant members of the class are won over.—
Deena Prichep,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Due to uncertainty surrounding tariffs and AI developments, employers, while not necessarily firing en masse, appear hesitant to hire.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resistant. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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