1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to resist
to refuse to give in to
repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Irish Spring soap, known for its fresh scent, is often recommended online — in blog posts, social media exchanges and elsewhere — as a way to repel skunks.
—
Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Some flowers and scented herbs can be used as companion plants to naturally repel aphids, while others function as trap crops by luring aphids away from milkweed.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
These plants possess aromatic properties or essential oils that repel pests.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
Straw naturally repels water because its outer layer is coated with a naturally occurring wax.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Some flowers and scented herbs can be used as companion plants to naturally repel aphids, while others function as trap crops by luring aphids away from milkweed.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
These plants possess aromatic properties or essential oils that repel pests.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
Straw naturally repels water because its outer layer is coated with a naturally occurring wax.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Many of the crew members are disgusted by Vito's homosexuality, but Phil seems to take special exception to this revelation, going out of his way to demand Tony take him out and becoming violently angered even at the mere mention of Vito's name.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
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Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara, is a righteous Irish journalist, also loquacious, also hot, but disgusted by ostentatious displays of wealth.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
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The suspects were charged with assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage and disorderly behavior in a police station.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Last year, another manufacturer recalled its product — ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula — after an outbreak of infant botulism sickened dozens of babies across the country.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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At least 233 people have been sickened in eight outbreaks that federal and state regulators have connected to McAfee’s farm since 2006, and at least 40 of them have been hospitalized.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Bass also accused Raman of repeatedly opposing efforts to address encampments near schools and increase police staffing.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
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The amendment would tighten existing restrictions in the Southern Baptist Convention, which already has a faith statement opposing women pastors.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Before installing tile on patios, terraces, or walkways, verify that the material is rated for exterior use and can withstand exposure to weather and temperature fluctuations.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
12 June 2026
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The tumor microenvironment allows cancer to withstand an onslaught from a body’s natural immune defenses.—
Charles J. Dimitroff,
The Conversation,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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