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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 However, California and Governor Gavin Newsom have vowed to resist the incoming Trump administration. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025 Court records show Rahman was arrested and charged with resisting officers without violence. —

Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025 Amazon has consistently resisted unionization efforts, arguing that many of the workers involved—particularly delivery drivers—are not its employees but rather work for third-party Delivery Service Partners. —

Amir Daftari, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 In most cases, though, the owner can – and should – resist the request. —

Joshua Stein, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

Those opposed to these ideas say that young people really didn't vote for Trump because of these innovations.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
In the 1920s, for instance, the United States opposed German and Japanese expansion but outsourced enforcement to treaties such as the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war, and the League of Nations, which Washington then refused to join.

Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025