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
As Venus and Mars harmonize, funnel extra cash into home improvements or repairs. Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 The total cost of repair has come close to $40,000, according to Linda Kilfoil and construction estimates provided by her attorney. Mario Ariza, ProPublica, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
The closures are scheduled so crews can repair medians and do concrete deck work, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025 Alam’s motivation and the cost to repair the damage are central to the case. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
  • Afterwards, McClintock said on X that the power to impose tariffs should be restored to Congress.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The ridiculously nourishing formula leaves you glistening but never greasy, with the coconut, açai, and brazil nut oils restoring suppleness to a level that pleased our testers as much as its tropical, coconutty scent and mess-free pump.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 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
  • Smart monitoring systems can track health metrics, predict potential issues and provide early interventions, allowing caregivers to focus on human connection rather than constant vigilance.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • As the Dodgers challenged the call, Melvin and assistant athletic trainer Ryo Watanabe met Smith near first base to assess Smith’s health.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its peptides, biotin, glycerin, and ginseng root extract offer a nourishing defense against breakage and brittleness, reviving the brows of numerous staffers at Allure HQ.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Economists expect the yuan could strengthen to 7 per dollar by the end of this year — a conviction driven in large part by Beijing's efforts to revive economic growth and encourage more investment onshore.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reeve was able to rebuild a championship-level contender around Collier, an MVP contender this season, and a group of veteran players who aren’t likely to someday have busts next to Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen.
    Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The stress of finding housing, steady work, and a supportive environment can be overwhelming, especially when paired with the burden of rebuilding trust.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 13 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 17 Sep. 2025.

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