resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce resistant (audio)
: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance
often used in combination
wrinkle-resistant clothes
a drug-resistant strain of virus

resistant

2 of 2

noun

: one that resists : resister

Examples of resistant in a Sentence

Adjective These plants are resistant to cold temperatures. He became resistant to the medication.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Punch likened the grant terminations to only partially treating tuberculosis, which allows the highly infectious disease to become resistant to medicine. Bram Sable-Smith, CNN Money, 3 June 2025 North Korea’s political old guard may be resistant to change, but Kim need point no further than China and Vietnam to show how ruling parties in communist states can retain power while encouraging rapid economic growth. John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025 These roles are often in healthcare, education, and human services, and are largely recession resistant and continue to see growing demand, especially with our aging population and social care needs rising. Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 As human rights grew as an important organizing concept in the 1960s and the 1970s around the world, U.S. presidents were largely resistant to incorporating it into U.S. foreign policy decision-making. Time, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resistant

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resistant was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resistant. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

resistant

adjective
re·​sis·​tant
ri-ˈzis-tənt
: giving, capable of, or showing resistance
often used in combination
wrinkle-resistant clothes

Medical Definition

resistant

adjective
re·​sis·​tant
variants also resistent
: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance
often used in combination
a drug-resistant strain of virus

More from Merriam-Webster on resistant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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