repair 1 of 2

Definition of repairnext
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

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
The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 was created to recover apparel and other textiles from consumers, diverting it from landfills and then finding a way to reuse, repair or recycle the items into secondary products. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 27 July 2026 The data collected by these robots can be filtered and transmitted to operators in real time, allowing companies to identify problems earlier and shift from reactive repairs toward predictive maintenance. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Verb
Barnacle said Arrabaca, who repaired Patriot missile systems in the Army from 2001 to 2005, derided ICE with profanities during his arrest. ABC News, 21 July 2026 But a strained rotator cuff limited him to 13 outings last season, and his future is now in peril after undergoing surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament earlier this month. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • While the cause of the crash is unknown, weather conditions around the time were windy, with ground-level gusts out of the south at 20 mph and rain showers moving into the area.
    Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Russell said that breadfruit will become more common as climate change continues to trend toward warmer conditions throughout the world as a response to burning fossil fuels.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • But city efforts to restore its lost vim and vigor have fallen flat.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The marker has since been vandalized and was taken down to be restored, making the James Baldwin quote at the sign’s base all the more pertinent.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • This kind of collective behavior causes a wave of stress and repetitive work that would be easily fixed with an open conversation and some agreements.
    Adriana Gattermayr, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • By fixing other currencies to the dollar, the global economy could stabilize the value of currencies and facilitate trade.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • However, health officials are searching for other potential products that may be making people sick as cases continue to climb.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Through interconnected stories, the film illustrates how these cumulative experiences contribute to health inequities—including Black maternal mortality—within a healthcare system that too often fails to listen to Black women.
    Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, seeking to revive diplomacy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Because the government requested dismissal without prejudice, the plaintiffs could seek to revive their claims after Rodríguez leaves office.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Over the past several months, officials have been rebuilding much of the tariff regime that existed before the ruling, this time by relying on authorities that trade lawyers generally view as having a firmer legal foundation.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Tariff tensions That pressure on household finances comes just as the administration moves to rebuild its sweeping tariff program.
    Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Also, the texture, shapes and colors of the candy make for a fun experience to sample, pick and mix up your own bag.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Settings shape decisions, reveal hidden truths, and, at times, determine fate itself.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • The effort is well worth it, as time spent in economical travel can refresh you and your family.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
  • The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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