resist

[ri-zist] / rɪˈzɪst /

VERB

withstand, oppose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abide combat confront continue curb defy endure forgo maintain prevent refuse repel thwart turn down

STRONG

antagonize assail assault battle bear brook buck check contend counteract countervail dispute duel forbear hinder hold persevere persist refrain remain stay stonewall suffer traverse weather

WEAK

abstain from die hard fight back hold off hold out against keep from leave alone put up a fight remain firm stand up to struggle against

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK accept aid allow assist discontinue encourage help stop surrender

STRONG

abandon advance agree cease desert give in give up go indulge leave permit quit refuse reject

WEAK

comply conform go along

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But I try to resist the pressure because I think it’s the right way to tell the story.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Snow flies do not just resist freezing, they also generate their own heat.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Trichotillomania is when someone cannot resist pulling out their hair.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

We often demand equity when it comes to the distribution of resources yet resist equality when it comes to moral responsibility and character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

But I also suspect that she can’t resist a puzzle, and the trash bag I stashed in the bush contains a huge, messy, gross puzzle.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

resist

Example Sentences

Related Words