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
Now, in its fourth phase, more barracks at Camp Pendleton underwent upgrades and repairs this week, and additional food facilities have been identified for improvement. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 People might disagree about managing the property, splitting expenses, or handling repairs. Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sanding won’t repair severe damage. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026 The case is unfolding more than three years after the couple bought their boat in Texas, worked together on repairing it and sailed along the southern coast before ending up in the Bahamas. Peter D'abrosca , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Online newspapers have pushed alerts with the smallest developments about Timmy's health including updates on its bad skin condition, which is related to the Baltic Sea's low salt content.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • As a condition of her release, Portugues is prohibited from possessing or using any type of gun.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Markets, which soared to records last week on the hope that peace could finally come to the region and energy supplies will be restored, have come under pressure again.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • More than 43,000 customers lost power in Illinois but power was restored to almost all of them by Saturday night, according to electric utility ComEd.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If something feels unclear, stop and fix it before continuing.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Both the city’s Law Department and the law firms making substantial sums from these cases need to fix what clearly is a major deficit of city controls and due care and attention on the billable hours being submitted for this work.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Angelita Soriano, a spokesperson for the No Data Center group, asked Huddlestun to provide residents with an independent health impact study of the future site of the Amazon data center planned at 61st Avenue and Colorado Street.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Pablo Alvarado and Lolo Cutumay were among a small group of workers who formed the band in the mid 1990s after one of them witnessed immigration agents raid a site where day laborers were lining up for free health services.
    Adrian Florido, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Philippines, which recently declared a national energy emergency, is also considering reviving a nuclear plant built in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis but was never turned on.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Frank Zappa’s estate has revived their archival Vaulternative Records for the first time in nearly a decade to showcase a Mothers of Invention session from 1966.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Davidson has been a patient figure in the Hawks front office, electing for a draft-heavy route to rebuild the team.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Now coach Doug Christie and general manager Scott Perry face a pivotal offseason focused on rebuilding the roster and chasing a high draft pick.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Canty is one of the coaches who whips students into shape.
    Terell Bailey, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The show became best known for its extensive use of mixed media — claymation, 3D CGI, and characters of all sorts of different sizes and shapes helped fill out the show’s surreal world.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An interior designer shares tips for choosing the right paint color and finish for your bathroom refresh.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This story was updated to refresh headlines.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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