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

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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 The records also list a felony charge of malicious conduct by a prisoner and a resisting-a-public-officer charge. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 The White House also couldn’t resist prodding Swift when the singer married Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, unleashing a series of memes on the day of the wedding in July. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026 Burbank locals have resisted growth in the past, said real estate consultant Chris Baer of Avison Young. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Jamila Tucker, another parent, also appears on paper to be charged with her son’s actions — namely, resisting an officer and trespassing. — Diamy Wang august 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resist

Verb

Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
But that also will be two months after the Bucks play in Miami, when Giannis will be in opposing colors for the first time in his career.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent but is particularly ill-equipped to withstand heat, due to older infrastructure and a lack of air conditioning.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Whether the church’s assertions withstand analytic scrutiny is a different question.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of withstand

Verb

The 63-year-old was born in the central city of Esfahan and volunteered to fight in the Iraq-Iran war as a teenager, along with tens of thousands of young Iranians.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Pathogens are microorganisms known to cause numerous diseases in their host, meaning Bifidobacterium animalis may help fight certain diseases.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

resilient

resist

resistance

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“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resist. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resist

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