resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce resistant (audio)
Synonyms of resistantnext
: 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
This short-sleeve tee is wrinkle-resistant and has a crew neckline. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 Spice up your look with a fun silhouette like these barrel-leg capri pants, made of a wrinkle-resistant material. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 The Phone 4b is IP64-rated for a dust-tight and splash-resistant design. — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Coneflowers attract pollinators, such as birds, bees, and butterflies, but are relatively deer-resistant. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing resistant

Rhymes for resistant

See All Rhymes for resistant

Browse Nearby Words

resistance welding
resistant
resistantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resistant. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
-tənt How to pronounce resistant (audio)
: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance
—often used in combination
a drug-resistant strain of virus

More from Merriam-Webster on resistant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resistant

Nglish: Translation of resistant for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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