repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
Synonyms of repetitionnext
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
b
: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
repetitional adjective

Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition. I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These four novels create a convincing, wrenching, kaleidoscopic picture of the range and repetitions of the most fatal kind of love; the sort of love that allows nothing else to grow around it, that eradicates all dignity; a love which, in order to be completed, must be told. Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026 Power that relies on repetition collapses when the pattern is named. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 17 Feb. 2026 Therefore, the true goal of robotic manipulation is not mechanical repetition, but adaptation and the understanding of movement, according to researchers. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 This repetition turns stereotypes into norms, and then into social pressure. Stuart A. Spencer, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repetition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repetition was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repetition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repetition. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

repetition

noun
rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating
b
: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: something repeated

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