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

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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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 If warm feet feel better, there’s no medical reason to resist. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 For women already in the practice, that means dialing down intensity, logging responses and resisting the pressure to match a partner’s or trainer’s cold tolerance. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Once the turkey is in the oven, resist the urge to keep checking on it. — Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026 These films ask us to look more closely, question our assumptions and resist easy explanations. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

Les Républicains has ostensibly opposed Macron for years but cooperated regularly on areas of overlapping interests, such as economic policy.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

Russia’s deep industrial reserves and Ukraine’s impressive adaptation have shown that complex energy systems can withstand enormous damage.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Sourcing is becoming less about finding the lowest-cost manufacturing option and more about building a supply chain that can withstand constant change.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of withstand

Verb

For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

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resilient

resist

resistance

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resist. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of resist

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