RESIST Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'resist' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resist are combat , oppose , and withstand . While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. // resisting temptation

Q: When can 'combat' be used instead of 'resist'?

Although the words combat and resist have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. // combat disease

Q: In what contexts can 'oppose' take the place of 'resist'?

While in some cases nearly identical to resist , oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare. // opposed the plan

Q: When might 'withstand' be a better fit than 'resist'?

The synonyms withstand and resist are sometimes interchangeable, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance. // trying to withstand peer pressure

resist

verb

ri-ˈzist

Definition of resist next

as in to oppose

to refuse to give in to it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resist are combat, oppose, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

When can combat be used instead of resist?

Although the words combat and resist have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

In what contexts can oppose take the place of resist?

While in some cases nearly identical to resist, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might withstand be a better fit than resist?

The synonyms withstand and resist are sometimes interchangeable, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples 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 resist Read: How Twin Peaks invented modern television Mulholland Drive resisted easy explanation, as did all of the director’s stories. —

David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025 Jamel Scott had been released from prison in January 2018 — after serving a year and 11 months for resisting law enforcement — and moved back in with his mother. —

Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 The suspect, a 24-year-old San Jose resident, was booked into Santa Clara County main jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, possession of graffiti tools and resisting arrest. —

Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 But more importantly, even the best-run organizations have a hard time resisting the urge to overpay — sometimes, wildly — when a key piece becomes available. —

John Hollinger, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

The city is opposed to the construction of the West Austin Business Park, saying it was not authorized by the city and goes against the development plan the city and the landowner, Wheelock Communities, had agreed to in 2015.

— Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Jan. 2025
In the Senate, 79 members voted in favor of the measure, while 18 opposed and three abstained.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2025