RESISTANT Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

resistant 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of resistant

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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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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resistant

2 of 2

noun

as in challenger

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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 resistant

Adjective

How to avoid cyclosporiasis Cyclospora is typically resistant to most of the chemicals people use to clean, like chlorine and iodine, Sanders said. — Eva Flowe july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 Europe is fearful of the future and relatively resistant to the ongoing global reordering, but the Global South is more hopeful about the future and more open to structural global change. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026 Mary appears to have a form of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, until chemotherapy, following a diagnosis of lymphoma, banishes her psychiatric symptoms. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Devin Druid stars as NCIS Tech Specialist Sean Sullivan, who is witty and brilliant but resistant to authority. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for resistant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resistant

Adjective

There’s likely to be grasping, resisting, skillful and futile efforts to swim and worry about what’s up ahead.

— Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of resisting

Adjective

In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.

— Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Though effective medication exists, the issue is persistent in areas with a lack of easy access to testing, treatment and clean water so people don't rely on local bodies of water for drinking and bathing.

— William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

Two separate complaints to police in Hartford culminated late last month in an opposing opinion that was part of the police investigation, according to a June 25 incident report.

— Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Both squads have five touches in the opposing box, but obviously only Egypt has taken advantage.

— Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

Definition of opposing

Adjective

Colombia earned its passage into the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over stubborn Ghana.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Pickle Robot’s Physical AI unloaders tackle the dock door bottleneck, which is a stubborn pain point in inbound logistics, while AmbiStack handles the structured, high-volume stacking that feeds downstream operations.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Noun

In November 1971, Berkeley, California, became the first sanctuary city in the country when 12 local churches inspired the City Council to pass a resolution offering sanctuary to draft resisters.

— Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Clemson resister Dabo Swinney has driven his program into the ground.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of resister

Adjective

Martha Washington — America’s first first lady, although such a title had not yet been coined — was reluctant to move to the new presidential household in New York and struggled with her new role as a hostess of presidential drawing rooms.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
If the labor market weakens, then the FOMC may be a little more reluctant to raise interest rates due to risking job losses and a potential economic slowdown.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of reluctant

Adjective

The bat was captured and later tested positive for rabies, allowing doctors to begin the girl's post-exposure vaccination series quickly.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The report comes with Federal Reserve policymakers expressing mixed feelings about the economy – mostly positive on growth though apprehensive on inflation as earlier fears about weakness in the labor market have eased.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of positive

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“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resistant. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of resistant

adjective

noun

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