repair 1 of 2

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
Beyond bones, broader healing The benefits extended beyond bone repair. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 Troops forbidden to do maintenance and repairs in peacetime, and lacking the necessary specs and tools, will struggle to do it under fire. Michael R. Bloomberg, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
If the city officially adds the structures to the dangerous buildings list, an inspector will issue orders to demolish them or repair them. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025 Home improvement impersonators remain a persistent problem, with contractors offering to pave driveways or repair roofs, collecting large advance payments, and then disappearing. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The economic conditions have put Fed policymakers in a bind.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Then, in June, Lyles cast the tiebreaking vote deciding not to study ways to improve working conditions for airport employees.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The museum’s plans for Excelsior Club included restoring the existing two-story structure and adding a connecting history center focused on local and regional Black history.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Build systems and products that directly address and fix those harms.
    Brandon Aversano, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Yet none of this new global reality means that things are now fixed.
    John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • All programs begin with an advanced diagnostic visit that includes a body scan to analyze your body composition, as well as measurements of your vital signs, cardiovascular health, stress levels and cognitive function.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Many factors affect prostate health, and diet plays a key role.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Color Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment Fried hair was revived once this reparative mask worked its magic.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Soak bare-root hostas in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour before planting to help revive the roots and absorb moisture.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trust can be rebuilt through consistent effort.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • What was perhaps most catastrophic to some was governmental agencies’ failure to adequately and equitably help citizens recover and rebuild.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But another medieval shape-loving star is Sydney Sweeney, a friend of Sánchez-Bezos and one of her many celebrity wedding guests.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Labubu keychains everyone is obsessed with are furry and come in different colors, shapes and sizes.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some coffeehouses have already been refreshed in places like New York City and Southern California, according to Starbucks.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With fall’s crisp nights rolling in, now is the time to refresh your bedding.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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