as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
the waiter's incredibly rude repulse of our polite request for a better table—one that wasn't right next to the kitchen—prompted us to walk out
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the smell of that town's paper mill totally repulses me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to repel
to drive back
the defense repeatedly repulsed all of the offense's attempts to move the ball forward, keeping them firmly planted on the 20-yard line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repulse
Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
But many foresee a protracted, bitter conflict, particularly in the country’s east as Russian forces retrench after the humiliating repulse of their advance on Kyiv.
—Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Noun
The optical, stop-motion, and puppetry effects alone should make Brain Damage a priority on your watchlist, but Henenlotter’s film excites and repulses on a deeper level.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
But many foresee a protracted, bitter conflict, particularly in the country’s east as Russian forces retrench after the humiliating repulse of their advance on Kyiv.
—Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022
Verb
After a disastrous trip to Mexico where Irina appeared repulsed by pretty much everything Zack did, the couple split and Zack crawled back to Bliss.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulse
Noun
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The dismissal of several key claims from the suit comes one month ahead the scheduled start of their trial.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
What did the judge say in his dismissal?—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Being taught society’s standard eating rituals, so as not to disgust others by violating them, was certainly a useful part of ordinary child-rearing.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
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On social media, Italian fans were disgusted by the performance, erupting into a meltdown rarely seen.—
Tyler Erzberger,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In drills, Taiwan has rehearsed repelling a seaborne assault with drones, fast patrol craft, mobile Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles and Marine Corps teams.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
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The housekeeping team fogs the balés every week to keep most of the biting insects at bay, and gardens teeming with mosquito-repelling lemongrass and zodia plants help keep them at a distance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
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The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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People all over the globe were in disbelief that a man could perpetuate a campaign of drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge, and even more sickened that dozens of men joined him in his crimes.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
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Police in Broomfield, Colorado, opened an investigation after multiple hot dogs laced with methamphetamine were found in a family’s yard and sickened at least two dogs, according to a press release.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Supporters describe him as a fighter but Harris resists the label of politician.—
Brian Unger,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Lori’s speech articulates the fundamental twinship of artists and critics—a reality that has always resisted attempts to drive a wedge between the two.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While not issuing a quick rejection, key conservative justices seemed skeptical of the administration’s arguments for its legality.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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The legal costs that could be incurred by these private schools would be devastating, with claims motivated more by rejection of beliefs than actual injury.—
Stephen Mitchell,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Back in Brooklyn after college at Emerson, she was appalled by the march toward war that followed 9/11.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Minerliz’ family was relieved — and appalled.—
Julian Roberts-Grmela,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulse. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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