repellent

adjective

re·pel·lent | \ ri-ˈpe-lənt

variants: or less commonly repellant

Definition of repellent

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination a mosquito-repellent spray

2 : arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive

repellent

noun

variants: or less commonly repellant

Definition of repellent (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that repels especially : a substance that repels insects

Other Words from repellent Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about repellent

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Examples of repellent in a Sentence

Adjective

The candle has a repellent effect on insects. your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore

Noun

a can of insect repellent Coat the exterior with a water repellent.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Mr Corbyn has devoted his life to supporting obscure and often repellent causes. — The Economist, "British politics goes into the upside down," 5 Sep. 2019 Bea and Alex are the children of two repellent parents: a fabulously wealthy real estate developer and a shockingly narcissistic woman. — Ron Charles Critic, Washington Post, "In Sadie Jones’s “The Snakes,” parents are more venomous than reptiles," 2 July 2019 Suddenly, every slur, insult, and caricature seems like a golden opportunity to commodify and profit from the most repellent sound bites. — Sonia K. Katyal, BostonGlobe.com, "The sudden rush of vulgar trademarks," 23 June 2018 Meanwhile, national Republicans have been coping with a Hobbesian choice between losing a Senate seat or tainting themselves by association with a bizarre and repellent Old South character right out of Flannery O’Connor. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Alabama Preview: Turnout Will Win It For Moore or Jones, But Republicans Will Have a Headache Either Way," 11 Dec. 2017 But the tactic became far more effective — indeed, electorally triumphant — when the actions being profiled were so genuinely repellent to much of the country. — Berny Belvedere, National Review, "Yes, the Democratic Party’s Polarization Helps Explain Trump’s Rise," 11 Oct. 2017 Nevertheless, the types who surfaced in Charlottesville on Saturday are certainly human beings of the most repellent and disgusting sort, murderous too—pretty much violent, evil sociopaths. — WSJ, "Notable & Quotable: The White Supremacist Fringe," 13 Aug. 2017 The history of politically inexperienced, personally repellent third-rate television personalities with anger issues who managed to parlay their fame into high office does not begin with Donald Trump. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "Al Franken, Un-Funny Man of the Senate," 7 Aug. 2017 But this documentary posits a revision of food history, chronicling the life of the magnetic, repellent man who changed American dining, then disappeared. — Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "9 movies open May 5; our reviewers weigh in," 5 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

After logging several miles, our feet didn’t feel suffocated or hot by the water-repellent synthetic upper. — Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Women's Hiking Boots for Any Outdoor Adventure," 13 Sep. 2019 This water-repellent shower liner will help college students keep their bathrooms clean and dry. — Joni Sweet, USA TODAY, "Get everything on your college packing checklist delivered next day — for free!," 26 Aug. 2019 This light softshell has a fleece insulation lining and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. — Adrienne So, WIRED, "26 Great Outdoor Deals From REI's Huge Labor Day Sale," 24 Aug. 2019 Vessi, which has built its entire brand on excellent hydro-repellent footwear, offers three styles for both men and women: the Cityscape, the Everyday, and the Skyline. — Dan Q. Dao, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Waterproof Shoes You Can Wear for an Entire Trip," 2 Aug. 2019 Keeping it cool LifeProof’s Backpack Cooler can keep ice (and the equivalent of 24 beverage cans) chilled for up to two days; the water-repellent lining prevents leakage for about the same length of time. — Los Angeles Times, "Gear that keeps clothes neat, you cool, and your feet and your dog happy," 18 July 2019 Many outdoor events have been canceled, and residents are cautioned to use repellent containing DEET, avoid being outside between dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants, and dump any standing water. — John Laidler, BostonGlobe.com, "Mosquitoes carrying EEE virus found west of Boston," 21 Aug. 2019 The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. — Other Voices, cleveland.com, "Cleveland APL Pet Tip: Keep your pets safe this 4th of July (Community Voices)," 27 June 2019 One of the best methods of protection against ticks and mosquitoes is using insect repellent containing DEET. — Kara Carter, M.d., Houston Chronicle, "The bugs are back in town so know how to avoid them," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repellent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.