repulsive

re·pul·sive | \ ri-ˈpəl-siv

How to pronounce repulsive (audio)

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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

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

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Examples of repulsive in a Sentence

Magnets have a repulsive effect on each other. a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust

Recent Examples on the Web Even Hannah understands how repulsive unapologetic female ambition is, and at the last minute, tries to backtrack. — Emma Pattee, Marie Claire, "Sorry, But Loving Dave Burd and Hating Hannah Horvath Is Highly Problematic," 10 Nov. 2020 The theatrical display of her lack of self-awareness and humility, and the repulsive excess of wealth immediately incurred the wrath of those who saw it. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kim Kardashian West's Pandemic Private Island Vacation Incurs the Wrath of Twitter," 28 Oct. 2020 Politicians, corporations, and churchmen shamelessly apologize for, and even underwrite, these repulsive revolutionaries. — Daniel J. Mahoney, National Review, "The Spirit of Religion and the Spirit of Liberty," 23 Sep. 2020 Paulson’s performance is magnetic and appalling, compelling and repulsive. — Roxane Gay, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sarah Paulson Has No Fear," 22 Sep. 2020 The bulk of the universe, 68 percent or so, is made of dark energy—represented by the Greek letter lambda (Λ)—an enigmatic repulsive force that drives the accelerating expansion of the universe. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Dark matter warps galaxy clusters more than expected, shaking up cosmic theory," 10 Sep. 2020 It’s part of what makes terrorism so singularly cowardly, vile, and repulsive. — Michael Washburn, National Review, "Postmodernist American Writers and 9/11," 10 Sep. 2020 Kamala Harris, meanwhile, is so transparently transactional, even Democratic primary voters, who have a strong stomach, found her repulsive. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, "This Is How Trump Will Try to Take Down Kamala Harris," 5 Aug. 2020 Some find ketchup - which is perfectly acceptable on everything from burgers to fries and beyond - repulsive on a hot dog. — Marc Bona, cleveland, "Ketchup on a hot dog? Take our poll on National Mustard Day," 1 Aug. 2020

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

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Dictionary Entries near repulsive

repulsion-induction motor

repulsion motor

Statistics for repulsive

Cite this Entry

“Repulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repulsive. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for repulsive

repulsive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of repulsive

: causing strong dislike or disgust

physics : of or relating to the force that pushes something away from something else

See the full definition for repulsive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

repulsive

re·pul·sive | \ ri-ˈpəl-siv

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Kids Definition of repulsive

: causing disgust a repulsive sight

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