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

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
For this plan to work, Panthalassa will have to show that each node can keep running for years in harsh ocean conditions without frequent human repairs. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 The device was discovered Wednesday by divers surveying the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile County for routine repair and maintenance, prompting a notification to the sheriff’s office and a multi-agency response, including the FBI, according to the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS). Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Verb
Plans call for renovations to restrooms, adding a catering kitchen and repairing windows and glass. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Before the game, the Orioles announced that infielder Jordan Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will miss the entire season. ABC News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The order stranded them indefinitely, sometimes in life-threatening conditions.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • There are women who cannot carry pregnancies for a variety of reasons — genetic conditions, cancer and loss of uterus, for example.
    Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • This was the era of decolonization, when nation-states delivered one-third of humanity from the humiliation of imperial rule, restoring political autonomy and dignity where they had long been removed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Real change begins when communities insist on solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope rather than pushing people out of sight.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Newhouse acquired the Pollock in 2000 for an undisclosed sum from then-Sotheby’s owner Alfred Taubman, who was facing hefty legal fees from his price-fixing scandal.
    Julie Brener Davich, ARTnews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Despite opening foreign properties like the Michelangelo in New York’s Midtown district in 1992, taking over the Hotel Castille in Paris in 2005 and The Gore, The Pelham and The Franklin in London in 2014, the focus for the group remains fixed on Italy.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Nearly all of the surviving health-care facilities in the northernmost area fell on the wrong side of the partition.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • But state lawmakers can finally pass this legislation, and start saving families tax dollars while protecting our health and our environment.
    Justin Sanchez, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Strong starred in the production of the Arthur Miller play as it was revived in London and later on Broadway.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seen boosting government spending as part of her efforts to revive growth and offset the oil shock, adding to inflationary trends.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • For the rebuilding Dolphins, all three of those individuals were in Green Bay last season in quarterback Malik Willis, coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Saleh is just beginning to rebuild his program in Tennessee.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • December 22 – January 19 A creative idea could click into shape with satisfying precision today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Currently at its lowest price in 30 days is this $29 windbreaker that features a similar color and shape to Moore’s.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Four Season Miami's pride and joy is its lush two-acre rooftop terrace, recently refreshed with stylish new chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
  • Drain in colander and refresh with cold water.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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