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 build-up of lactic acid also can trigger muscle repair mechanisms leading to the growth of the muscles as well. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 Oftentimes that’s paying a medical bill — an unpaid $5,000 ALS treatment, or $8,000 in dental repairs post a car accident — according to Jensen and Ferrer. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Verb
That includes, but is not limited to, maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, parks and public facilities; repairing and replacing aging infrastructure and storm drains; fire protection, paramedics, crime prevention and emergency response. Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2026 Emergency surgery to repair the artery needs to happen within the first couple of hours, Trahanas said. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Researchers don’t know yet what exactly causes MS, a condition that is estimated to affect 1 million people in the country.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Sessions generally run 60 to 90 minutes depending on the dog’s size, coat type and condition.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways said teams were working to repair the damage and restore the route, and that other arrangements are being made to transport passengers to Mashhad via road, IRIB said.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • With the blessing and support of the Forest Service, the tribe began working to restore parts of its homeland — not as a shrubland, or thick conifer forest, but an open and free tapestry anchored by oaks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Marciano beats are muted in the way museum décor aims to keep eyes fixed on the vibrance of the collection.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • Sport scientist Clemens Brunner employs high-tech gait and movement analysis to produce insoles to fix my gait, and PT Thomas Glinka in the Technogym addresses tight hamstrings, calf tension, and right-foot pronation with take-home exercises.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • It's caused not only health issues but financial strain on employees.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Some politicians have continued to obscure details about their health challenges, asking for privacy despite their public positions, and fueling conspiracy theories.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • City leaders now face pressure to revive past holiday crackdowns — from checkpoints to curfews — as Newport wrestles with balancing coastal access, tourism revenue and neighborhood safety.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Oil prices still remain well below their war-time peaks of above $120 a barrel for Brent, but the increases could be enough to revive inflation fears.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Parties have exploited lulls in fighting to buy time, rebuild capabilities and consolidate political or territorial gains ahead of the next round of conflict.
    Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
  • The Tennessee Department of Transportation is rebuilding the bridge, and the project should be finished by September 2029.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, the 100-percent cotton fabric is soft, comfortable, and durable, which means the pants won’t stretch out or lose their shape.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • The slim shape gives off cool-girl energy, while the tortoiseshell finish keeps them feeling classic.
    Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • This past month, when the entire city was in the grip of basketball mania, my eyes have felt newly refreshed by the abundance of royal blue and traffic-cone orange on the streets.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
  • Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Cabot paints, says refreshing these pieces should never erase the charm.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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