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
At median household income that is roughly $17,690 a year, paid in equipment, repairs, transport, medication, accessible housing, delivery fees and hours lost to paperwork. Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The company has argued that repair and resale are desirable goals, but manufacturing new garments costs businesses less than keeping existing ones in use. Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
That’s because sleep gives our brains a chance to process the day and our bodies an opportunity to heal and repair. Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 Register your trunks within six months of buying them, and the company will repair them—gratis—the first time something goes awry. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • One of the conditions included the owner's agreement to help existing Ansley Park residents find suitable housing.
    Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The two children inside were also transported to an area hospital and were in stable condition, police said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The district sent an email to principals Tuesday night, obtained by the Tribune, asking school leaders to rank their most critical staffing needs in an effort to restore some positions.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In terms of clubs listening to supporters, Lincoln City, newly promoted to the Championship, deserve a pat on the back for restoring a unique quirk to a matchday at what fans know as Sincil Bank.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Mosser has not come to the negotiating table just yet, but Richardson says his office is determined to fix a wrong.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • By identifying exactly what the frustration concerns before reacting, leaders are more likely to channel emotion toward fixing broken systems instead of attacking individuals.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Why freeze eggs Elective egg freezing can offer more flexibility and control over reproductive health.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Many health workers have gone on strike to protest not being paid for their work since the outbreak was declared.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The practice had been shelved soon after war broke out in Ukraine a few years back but revived following consultation with fans.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Africa’s largest oil and gas producer is pushing to revive hydrocarbon exploration in deepwater reserves at a time when global oil companies have retreated from their onshore Nigerian assets due to pipeline vandalism.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This, though, buys Infantino time to ride out the storm, regroup and rebuild.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Aaron, who rebuilt his connector in those six weeks, does not see buyers demanding any of this.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Blending documentary and fictional elements, directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw pay homage to the remarkable and charming people whose zest for life shapes and preserves this unique region and its centuries-old culture.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • They were asked to press high, in the first half particularly, leaving a 4-2-4 shape with little midfield cover.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For best results, refresh natural mulches once a year in spring or fall to keep mulch lines good and thick.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Pet parents may also want to refresh sleep spaces, travel gear and everyday essentials before schedules become more hectic.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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