repair 1 of 2

as in condition
a state of being or fitness the dining table is in good repair, so you won't need to refinish it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repair

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb repair contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of repair are mend, patch, and rebuild. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

When is mend a more appropriate choice than repair?

In some situations, the words mend and repair are roughly equivalent. However, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use patch instead of repair?

While the synonyms patch and repair are close in meaning, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

Where would rebuild be a reasonable alternative to repair?

The words rebuild and repair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of repair
Noun
Terms of UsePrivacy Policy Terms of UsePrivacy Policy Exosomes can aid in skin barrier repair for sensitive skin, due to anti-inflammatory properties. Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 Lester Smith, who had been working at Abbey Road since 1970, was the keeper of Abbey Road’s microphone collection, which then totaled eight hundred–plus — all of them kept in good repair and still used to this day. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
The supplement helps repair DNA damage from UV exposure, lowering the chances of cancerous mutations. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 26 Sep. 2025 Family Tree centers on three estranged siblings who reunite at Christmas to sell their crumbling childhood home only to discover that fixing the house might be the key to repairing their fractured family. Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Those over 60 or with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe illness.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The cubs were discovered alone and in poor condition before beings safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Masses of federal workers face going unpaid until funding is restored.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In April, more than 4,700 international students across the country had their immigration status revoked before it was unexpectedly restored weeks later.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vehicle owners are advised to park the vehicle outside and away from any structures and other vehicles until the recall is fixed.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • So just fixing my diet, drinking a lot of water, stretching, moving every day, doing the right movements.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Taking care of your overall health can help manage IgA nephropathy, reduce the risk of complications, and potentially slow the progression of the disease.
    Health, Health, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Tipsword said Illinois’ new limits on police involvement in mental-health crisis calls are being rolled out without the infrastructure to keep first responders safe.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Iñárritu has revived his debut film, Amores Perros, as an immersive installation for its 25th anniversary.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The president revived his MFN order in May after failing to implement it in his first term.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Harry was eager to show them both that the family bond is still there and that it could be rebuilt, particularly for the children’s sake.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are hundreds of models available in all shapes, sizes, and (most frighteningly) price ranges.
    Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Passionate about utopian socialism and architecture, Gaudí’s forms and shapes were totally fresh, otherworldly and are sometimes referred to as a precursor of the Surrealist movement, of which Salvador Dalí was a key proponent.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Taiwan converts time into a weapon by turning drones into throughput problems, from design to fab to field to refresh.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Simply plucking young stars from viewers’ social-media feeds won’t radically alter or refresh SNL.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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