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

as in to oppose

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 resist Ask them to call it an early evening, and resist announcing their departure to the group. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 The two suspects were arrested on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy and resisting arrest. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Hopkins also wasn’t concerned that other streamers might resist a Prime Video Emmys — and noted that Amazon is already in business with many of them. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026 But resist the urge to throw every brightening ingredient at the problem. — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

This was a leftism distinct from Marxism and later communism, but nonetheless opposed to the state, the capitalist class, and clericalism.

— Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026
Polling conducted by the Associated Press/NORC last year shows that more Americans oppose the current biannual clock change than those who support it—47% compared to just 12%.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

The Bruins’ defense withstood the Ducks’ final push and celebrated a signature victory during a turnaround season.

— Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Iran has spent the past 15 years developing an economy specifically designed to withstand American economic warfare.

— Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of withstand

Verb

Her body was found while clearing rubble and fighting a fire at the site, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the regional military administration, said Friday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Eventually, Ley hopes, the results could help fight this side effect of vaccines and, by extension, encourage higher vaccination rates.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

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resilient

resist

resistance

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Style

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resist. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of resist

verb

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