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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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 Despite shifting employer-employee power dynamics, many employees continue to resist full-time in-office mandates. —

Anuz Thapa, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024 Without their belongings and homes, denied the chance of building a legal case in their defense, few Mexico City residents have resisted. —

Madeleine Wattenbarger, Eliana Gilet, & Axel Hernández, The Dial, 17 Dec. 2024 If the dough resists stretching and shrinks back, set that piece aside and work on the other pieces before trying to roll it again. —

Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024 But senators in both parties should resist that dangerous trend. —

Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

Pushback on the horizon Shocking no one, the multibillion-dollar fossil fuel industry that profits from the sales of gas-burning vehicles staunchly opposes California’s recent rules.

Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
The president-elect also unexpectedly demanded that Congress repeal or suspend the debt ceiling, a controversial and divisive proposal that most conservative GOP lawmakers strongly oppose.

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024