repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

1

: incompatible, inconsistent

2

archaic : hostile

3

: exciting distaste or aversion

repugnant language

a morally repugnant practice

repugnantly adverb

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
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of repugnant in a Sentence

technically speaking, it may not be a violation, but it is certainly repugnant to the spirit of the law

Recent Examples on the Web

Readers got to climb into the doctor’s shoes—an experience that could be uncomfortable, at times repugnant, but undeniably eye-opening. —Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025

Nonetheless, some traditionalists did view the idea of evolution as repugnant, perhaps even dangerous. —Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025

Committed health care workers, who by nature wish to first care and nurture those in need, find this especially repugnant. —Roxey Nelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

The election results suggest that most Germans find these views, or the impulse to base a political party on them, repugnant. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, opposed, contradictory, incompatible, from Anglo-French, from Latin repugnant-, repugnans, present participle of repugnare to fight against, from re- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

1

: incompatible sense 1

2

: causing a feeling of dislike or disgust : repulsive

repugnantly adverb

Legal Definition

repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

: characterized by contradiction and irreconcilability

the arbitrator's decision was not repugnant to the Act

—M. A. Kelly