resistant 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of resistantnext
1
as in resisting
opposed to something or refusing to agree or obey The toddler was resistant to trying vegetables. His parents were set in their ways and resistant to the changes brought about by technology.

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2
as in persistent
having or showing determination to do or continue something The resistant athletes did not give up even when they were losing the game. He was quite resistant, able to bounce back after even large setbacks in his career.

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resistant

2 of 2

noun

as in challenger

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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 resistant
Adjective
The commission recommends people in the Asheville area purchase bear-resistant trash containers, or modify existing trash containers with straps, buckles or metal clasps to lock down the lids. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 The Food and Drug Administration flagged a potential safety signal after four deaths were reported among patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who received investigational evenamide in clinical trials, MedPage Today informs us. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 Emily's Entourage is also investing in other approaches — phages, which are naturally occurring viruses that kill bacteria, and antimicrobials – that treat drug-resistant infections that can ultimately be fatal for CF patients. — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 While working to develop critical onboard software for the spacecraft — both command modules and lunar landers — that completed NASA’s historic Apollo flights — Hamilton is credited with making the system more robust and accident-resistant. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resistant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resistant
  1. resisting
  2. persistent
  3. challenger
  4. opposing
  5. stubborn
  6. resister
  7. reluctant
  8. positive
Adjective
  • There’s likely to be grasping, resisting, skillful and futile efforts to swim and worry about what’s up ahead.
    — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of resisting
Adjective
  • The finance chiefs ended the meeting without a joint communique, underscoring persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances, and Russia's war with Ukraine.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • When deployed in numbers, Archimedes units form a resilient defense grid, creating persistent protection for forces, facilities, and critical infrastructure.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of persistent
Noun
  • Bound for Glory pay-per-view to answer Moose’s open challenger.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The government’s refusal to make public key agreements related to the refinery has been criticized by opposition leaders, including one of Ruto’s main challengers, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of challenger
Adjective
  • Its use during the exercise simulated an attack against an opposing naval force.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Splitter praises his movement on and off the ball, which seems to visibly confuse opposing defenses.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposing
Adjective
  • The Federal Reserve is also hiking rates again to rein in stubborn inflation.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Pair that with five years of stubborn inflation, and workers are losing even more ground.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of stubborn
Noun
  • In November 1971, Berkeley, California, became the first sanctuary city in the country when 12 local churches inspired the City Council to pass a resolution offering sanctuary to draft resisters.
    — Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Clemson resister Dabo Swinney has driven his program into the ground.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of resister
Adjective
  • In the post-George Floyd era, some young adults have been reluctant to become police officers compared to the days when departments were flooded with applications from eager jobseekers.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Day told the Herald that Fencebridge has been operating in Haiti for four years but was reluctant to offer details about that work.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • The co-production also proved a positive experience for producers at NHK.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The bread-winning Global Banking & Markets division delivered strong results, which was very much behind the relatively positive reaction in the stock.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive

Browse Nearby Words

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resistant
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Cite this Entry

“Resistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resistant. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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