Synonyms of resist

resist

verb

ri-ˈzist 

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

• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• counter
• contradict
• buck
• contend (with)
• hinder
• contest
• obstruct
• frustrate
• stem
• check
• battle
• dispute
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resist

To that end, her drama resists sensationalizing the Barnetts’ claims, and then rejects them all together. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025

Coordinators shared stories both inspiring and dispiriting, of students and teachers excitedly embracing this more tactile, less judgmental kind of math – and of some administrators who still see math as liver and have resisted the state's efforts to convince them otherwise. —Cory Turner, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025

His wife has remained impressively skeptical of the mining tycoon, but the promise of a future for her family is too much to resist. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025

However, flying a mixed fleet of fighter jets is something the air force has been long resisted and would require two different training regimes, separate hangars and infrastructure and a different supply chain—a far costlier prospect. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025