resistance
14 synonyms and 4 antonyms for resistance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of opposing or fighting against something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
pushback
fighting back
resistor
impedance
resistivity
ohmic resistance
electric resistance
electrical resistance
Antonyms
How to use resistance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
meet resistance
electrical resistance
put up resistance
Etymology
From Old French resistence, from Latin resistentia, built from "resist" plus "-ance".
Full origin of resistance →Frequently asked questions
What does “resistance” mean?
The word “resistance” means the act of opposing or fighting against something.
How do you pronounce “resistance”?
“Resistance” is pronounced rih-ZIHS-tuhns (/ɹɪˈzɪstəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “resistance” in a sentence?
Here is “resistance” used in a sentence: “The proposal met fierce resistance from staff.”
What part of speech is “resistance”?
“Resistance” is a noun.
Where does the word “resistance” come from?
The word “resistance” comes from Latin. From Old French resistence, from Latin resistentia, built from "resist" plus "-ance".
Is “resistance” a common word?
“Resistance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “resistance” have?
“Resistance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of opposing or fighting against something.
What is the difference between resistance and rebellion?
Resistance is the broad act of opposing or refusing to accept something, which can be quiet or non-violent. Rebellion is a more open, organized uprising against authority, often involving force. All rebellion is a form of resistance, but resistance can also be peaceful, such as protest or a refusal to comply.
What are the types of resistance?
Resistance can be active or passive. Active resistance involves open opposition, such as protests or strikes, while passive resistance means refusing to cooperate without using force. It may also be non-violent, as in civil disobedience, or armed. The form depends on what is being opposed and how.
What is the opposite of resistance?
The opposite is compliance, acceptance, or submission — going along with something rather than fighting it. Where resistance pushes back against a force or a demand, its antonyms describe yielding, cooperation, or surrender. To offer no resistance is to accept or obey without any opposition.
