repulsive

re·pul·sive

adjective \-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

Rhymes with REPULSIVE

compulsive, convulsive, expulsive, impulsive, propulsive, revulsive