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
Consumers are advised to contact the manufacturer to receive a free repair kit, which includes a rope to replace the compression strap, and consider draining the pool until the repair is made. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025 To ensure that Rimowa cases withstand a lifetime of travel, in-house technicians offer on-site repairs, cementing Rimowa’s lifetime guarantee on all suitcases purchased after July 25, 2022. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Verb
Richardson, 23, underwent season-ending surgery to repair an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder during the 2023 season. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 Dislocated joints have been repaired, tendons have been lengthened. Scott Craven, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Farrer acknowledged challenging economic conditions and trade uncertainties but expressed confidence in the company's long-term success.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • The system adjusted automatically to changing weather conditions and energy prices—and cut both energy costs and carbon emissions by 15 to 20 percent.
    Gabriel René, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • My lawsuit aims to restore just a little bit of sanity.
    Tamlyn Hunt, Scientific American, 22 July 2025
  • Our goal is to restore the fun, healthy, human childhood that most of us had.
    Eileen Finan, People.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The reality is, though, that no one player or one roster move is going to fix this stretch.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Raising $2 million, members hired an architect, replaced the roof, restored rooms, and fixed the electricity and plumbing over the course of four years.
    Damenica Ellis July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The polyphenols serve as food for the microbes, which break them down to produce byproducts that benefit your gut health.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • While a formal cause of death has not been announced, Osbourne dealt with numerous health issues in the final years of his life.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The Brazilian famously walked to the site of Donnelly’s accident at Jerez and watched as the rescue teams fought to revive him on the track.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
  • Weeks after the deal was announced, many Penn faculty members remain in limbo, unsure about which grants have been revived.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • That no longer exists today and cannot be easily or quickly rebuilt.
    MARGARET MACMILLAN, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
  • The actress appears to be rebuilding her confidence and finding it after her divorce.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Because the shape was incomplete, the alert was sent out to all of Warren County, and some of Montgomery County, Centerville and Middletown.
    The Enquirer, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • Healthy poop is the shape of a sausage and looks like a log with cracks and crevices, according to the Bristol Stool Chart.7 Poop that’s small and hard like a pebble can mean you’re constipated—dehydration, not eating enough fiber, or certain medications can cause this.
    Cathy Nelson, Health, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The Court Circular is the British royal family's official record of previous royal engagements and is usually refreshed online about one day after an appearance is made.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • Wake up refreshed, and the day ahead is that bit easier.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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