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
According to court documents seen by Fox News, he was first hired by Nancy Cano to conduct home repairs and later took up residence in the property's guest house. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 Their environmentally conscious ethos further extends to a repair program offering replacement parts—from slipcovers to armrests—and buyback programs so that pieces can evolve with you rather than end up languishing on the curb. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
The surgery to repair his ACL was performed by the Cowboys’ team physician, Dr. Dan Cooper. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2025 The revenue generated will be devoted to repairing the city’s subway system. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • One of Trump’s conditions for supporting Ukraine’s independence and ending the war is to wangle an earth minerals deal out of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
    Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • Infectious fungal spores have an easier time remaining viable and spreading in damp or humid conditions.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration has demanded Columbia make widespread changes to its disciplinary policies and admissions before the funding is restored.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Today's announcement is a welcome step toward restoring a common-sense safety standard.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The network has put together a focus group to figure out how to fix the issue.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • Lead Sensei wants to be known as the product that fixes businesses and sets them up for long-term success.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • With traditional systems emphasizing reactive care, the need for a proactive approach to health has never been more urgent.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The health of your culture is the leading indicator of your future success.
    Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gypsy has been revived countless times on Broadway since Ethel Merman originated the role of Rose, with stars like Tyne Daly, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone playing the iconic character.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Cash is among those here hoping that President Trump’s promises to revive the coal industry’s fortunes after years of decline from cheaper natural gas, rising mining costs and environmental regulation will pan out.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • With Sheinbaum still attacking the DEA as a symbol of American interventionism, all four of those competing agencies may have an easier time rebuilding trust with the Mexican government.
    Tim Golden, ProPublica, 29 Apr. 2025
  • However, Boyett says the sill wears down over time, leading the Corps to rebuild the sill in the fall of 2024 to prevent another water scare in New Orleans.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From long-lasting formulas to felt pens that behave almost like calligraphy markers, there’s an option for every skill level, eye shape, and makeup mood.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs shape and reinforce what’s affordable, what’s available, and, ultimately, whose cultures get priced out of reach.
    Karen Yuan, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While Samsung is expected to refresh its foldables later this year, Motorola arguably holds the performance crown for now.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In 2022, the hotel reopened after a massive renovation, refreshing the 179 rooms and suites (but thankfully leaving the Mayfair’s eponymous garden untouched).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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