repulsive

re·pul·sive

adj \-siv\

Definition of REPULSIVE

1

: serving or able to repulse <repulsive force>

2

: tending to repel or reject : cold, forbidding

3

: arousing aversion or disgust <repulsive crimes>

— re·pul·sive·ly adverb

— re·pul·sive·ness noun

Examples of REPULSIVE

1. Magnets have a repulsive effect on each other.
2. <a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust>

First Known Use of REPULSIVE

1594

Related to REPULSIVE

Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, offensive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Antonyms: innocuous, inoffensive

Related Words: exceptionable, objectionable; brackish, disagreeable, dislikable (also dislikeable), unpleasant; contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful; unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome; execrable, lousy, miserable; atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome (also grewsome), heinous, horrendous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile; off-putting, undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome; barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy; distressing, disturbing, upsetting

Near Antonyms: acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable (or likeable), luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, welcome; unexceptionable, unobjectionable; healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome

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Rhymes with REPULSIVE

compulsive, convulsive, expulsive, impulsive, propulsive, revulsive