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 Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 was created to recover apparel and other textiles from consumers, diverting it from landfills and then finding a way to reuse, repair or recycle the items into secondary products. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 27 July 2026 The data collected by these robots can be filtered and transmitted to operators in real time, allowing companies to identify problems earlier and shift from reactive repairs toward predictive maintenance. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Verb
Barnacle said Arrabaca, who repaired Patriot missile systems in the Army from 2001 to 2005, derided ICE with profanities during his arrest. ABC News, 21 July 2026 But a strained rotator cuff limited him to 13 outings last season, and his future is now in peril after undergoing surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament earlier this month. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The girl had been diagnosed with a rare gene defect that produces a neurodevelopmental condition known as Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome, Science reported.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The medical professional also checked the boxes saying Grayson would be incapacitated within six months and his condition was unlikely to improve.
    Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said in a letter Tuesday that up to $300 million in community investments could be unlocked if the controversial project is restored.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • More than 50 historical buildings are being restored to create retail and residential spaces in one of Atlanta’s most ambitious downtown projects.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The tech giant was racing to fix weaknesses in its code that a new AI model known as Mythos was uncovering at an unprecedented clip.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 29 July 2026
  • The OpenAI agents exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Artifactory, which OpenAI has since disclosed to JFrog, and which the company confirmed has since been fixed.
    Emily Forlini, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • However, health officials are searching for other potential products that may be making people sick as cases continue to climb.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Through interconnected stories, the film illustrates how these cumulative experiences contribute to health inequities—including Black maternal mortality—within a healthcare system that too often fails to listen to Black women.
    Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Coating actual Pringles in Hershey’s chocolate would revive the concept as the sweet-and-salty snack it was always meant to be.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • The next chapter will mark the show’s 10th season since being revived by ABC.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The committee welcomed the progress Friday, but said the work to restore public institutions and services and rebuild the territory would be immense.
    Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Mayor Karen Bass issues an executive order for city departments not to process Lineage rebuilding plans until the city and the public can review the investigation.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • An unforeseen opportunity Loftin entered spring training in great shape.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The Hudson Satchel from Quince is nearly identical to Lawrence’s—right down to the shape of the side buckles—but priced at under $200—which is far less expensive than the star’s likely designer style.
    Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The effort is well worth it, as time spent in economical travel can refresh you and your family.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
  • The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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