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
Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, a cross-curricular supplemental resource, the program equips students with practical clothing repair and customization skills, from sewing a button to patching a hole or tailoring a hem. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 Around 30 machines are out for play, and a half dozen are in the back in various states of repair. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Doing so would entail repairing cracks that admit water, maintaining the foundations of each section, applying a sealant to slow the weathering process, and keeping the encroachment of vegetation in check. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 The deal is a way to repair relationships between the agency and west Charlotte residents who have questioned NCDOT’s communication and transparency on the multi-billion dollar toll lane project. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • In 2013 the agency issued a rule saying the exclusion should apply only when an orphan drug is actually used for the rare condition it was designated for.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • It may not be recommended during pregnancy or for people who are immunocompromised or have certain medical conditions.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Set the scene The Homestead screams quirky, artful, and vintage yet restored—capturing a whimsical, fairytale ambiance embellished with hints of Southern charm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But a federal judge ruled that the administration failed to provide due process, and ordered that hard passes to dozens of reporters be restored.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX launched commander Jessica Watkins and her crew for NASA after a three-week delay to fix their Dragon capsule's leaking fuel system.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has tried to fix this before.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Hospitals bolster their side by hiring risk adjustment specialists and employing AI tools, while health insurers hire payment integrity specialists and employ different AI tools.
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • For Kea, the group worked with Subtle Energies, a wellness brand founded by Ayurveda Practitioner and Clinical Aromatherapist Farida Irani, offering a more holistic approach to health and wellness than simple spa treatments.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • However, in the 7th century, this all vanished; the temples were abandoned and later looted, and Kea never again revived its trade or harbor settlements.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has revived Yemen's civil war after a four-year ceasefire.
    — AHMED AL-HAJ, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But with a massive 400,000 pounds payout from their insurance company, the couple were able to rebuild their collection into something even grander.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, the brand’s vice president and general manager Katie Pruitt has been busy rebuilding the wholesale connections and showcasing the brand and reestablishing roots in the surf and outdoor space.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For Miraval The Red Sea, Foster + Partners architects have designed 180 guest rooms, suites, and villas with biophilic shapes and natural materials, allowing the accommodations to seamlessly fit into the landscape.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The team notes that this version uses one cell line, muscle fibers aligned in one direction and simple shapes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Marvell Technology is hosting an investor day, and some refreshed targets could help the AI semiconductor trade.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And in China, Hill noted the progress the new leadership team has made over the past six months, and detailed plans to tighten up the region’s digital channels and refresh physical doors.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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