resistant

adjective
re·​sis·​tant | \ ri-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce resistant (audio) \

Definition of resistant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance often used in combination wrinkle-resistant clothesa drug-resistant strain of virus

resistant

noun

Definition of resistant (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that resists : resister

Examples of resistant in a Sentence

Adjective

These plants are resistant to cold temperatures. He became resistant to the medication.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

When state politicians grew resistant to subsidizing sports facility construction, da Silva chose to pay back the city for its initial investment in stadium land and finance the venue on his own. Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City took challenging path to MLS all-star spotlight," 28 July 2019 Newer varieties appear more resistant to fungal leaf spots that plagued zinnias during hot, wet months. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "Zinnias can be added to summer gardens in Florida," 27 July 2019 Liberal activist groups were clearly hoping that Mueller’s testimony would push Pelosi, her deputies and other Democrats resistant to impeachment on board. Alana Abramson, Time, "Mueller's Testimony Didn't Shift the Debate on Impeachment. But the Issue Isn't Going Away," 26 July 2019 Since then, Mehlenbacher has released seven more varieties of hazelnuts resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight. High School Journalism Institute, oregonlive.com, "Oregon State scientist sees future in homegrown hazelnuts," 21 July 2019 This could have practical agricultural implications, such as making crops more resistant to drought. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Salk Institute scientists get to the root of plant growth," 11 July 2019 As a bonus, the design is hypoallergenic and resistant to microbes, mites, and allergens. Kelsey Mulvey, House Beautiful, "Those Super Popular Buffy Comforters Are 30 Percent Off Today," 9 July 2019 Putting extra money on the table could make white families less resistant to attending blacker schools. Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Democratic candidates’ school integration plans, explained," 3 July 2019 Technological progress pushes employment into the sectors most resistant to productivity growth. The Economist, "The rising cost of education and health care is less troubling than believed," 20 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Making human cells virus-resistant will involve at least 400,000 changes to the genome, according to GP-write’s announcement today. Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "Genome writing project aims to rally scientists around virus-proofing cells," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resistant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of resistant

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1580, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for resistant

resistant

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of resistant

: opposed to something : wanting to prevent something from happening
: not affected or harmed by something

resistant

adjective
re·​sis·​tant | \ ri-ˈzis-tənt How to pronounce resistant (audio) \

Kids Definition of resistant

: capable of withstanding the force or effect of The material is fire-resistant.

resistant

adjective
re·​sis·​tant
variants: also resistent \ -​tənt How to pronounce resistent (audio) \

Medical Definition of resistant

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance often used in combination a drug-resistant strain of virus

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