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

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

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 move came after the giant rocket, which was first rolled to the launch pad in mid-January, had been back in NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building since the end of February as engineers made repairs. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 The remaining money went toward campground improvements, playground replacements and historic structure repairs. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
The county reported that work to repair the broken pump may also be contributing to elevated odors in the area. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026 The gate also has several holes and breaches that have been hastily repaired. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The judge had set their bail at $25,000 each with home confinement, GPS monitoring, and other conditions because of the delays caused by the Quigley allegations disclosure.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The task force will monitor conditions across the state and recommend mitigation efforts to Polis.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But so is the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which deserves to have its funding restored as soon as possible.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Cuba started restoring power Sunday after the nation's energy grid collapsed a day prior, cutting electricity to millions of people.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Your discerning side notices details others miss, so name what works and what hurts before proposing adjustments that would fix the latter.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The eatery scored 87 and received final notice for employees not having food handler certificates, and a second notice to fix the warming station.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (or 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The outpatient clinic opened in 2020 and offers services including primary care, as well as specialty health services such as laboratory work, telehealth, and mental health care, according to its website.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Geopolitical tensions – including the war in Iran – have revived fears of terrorism and instability.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The mine languished for a decade, until a new company, Molycorp, tried, unsuccessfully, to compete with China and revive the business.
    Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • If feelings rise quickly, slow the tempo, breathe, and handle one issue at a time so cooperation can rebuild itself.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Spacey has been slowly attempting to rebuild his career since the 2023 trial, landing roles in the odd movie, directing others and making appearances at festivals.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This means that your desire to whip things in shape at home or with a family member might be ill-timed.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Let collaboration shape a strong plan.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Her blonde was refreshed by colorist and Highbrow Hippie co-founder Kadi Lee, then styled by Owen Gould.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Amid its major undertaking to refresh nearly two dozen restaurants and other concessions offerings, the Sacramento International Airport unveiled two new Starbucks locations, with a first-of-its-kind twist.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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