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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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 But the little kid inside Jordan couldn't resist moving around Radio Row from space to space on his Segway GT3 Pro. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025 Apple is similarly resisting the think tank’s proposal for the tech giant to consider abolishing its diversity and inclusion initiatives. —

Russell Leung, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 These old-school treats have the perfect cheesy-ranch seasoning that can't be resisted. —

Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025 Many employees resist change, whether by rejecting new tools (as seen in legacy teams) or by setting strict boundaries around their workload (as seen in younger employees). —

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

The Treasury Department opposes the restraining order.

— Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Trump’s pick to lead the CDC, David Weldon, has questioned the safety of vaccines, and Jay Bhattacharya, the administration’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, vehemently opposed COVID shutdowns.

— Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025