Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol containing a terpenoid backbone. It has been intensively studied because of its various promising biological properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the medicinal application of resveratrol is constrained by its poor bioavailability and stability. In the past decade, more attention has been focused on making resveratrol derivatives to improve its pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics. This review covers the literature published over the past 15 years on synthetic analogues of resveratrol. The emphasis is on the chemistry of new compounds and relevant biological activities along with structure-activity relationship. This review aims to provide a scientific and reliable basis for the development of resveratrol-based clinical drugs.