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
With this in mind, the staff is planning a large interactive component, called the Innovation Hall, in an old rail car repair shop. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2026 Sometimes, both groups split the cost of major repairs, like recent upgrades to the eroding south porch. Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Verb
New governing party turns toward the EU Magyar has promised to repair his country's ties with the EU, which Orbán had pushed to a breaking point, and to restore Hungary's place among Western democracies, whose standing had been called into question as Orbán drifted ever closer to Russia. CBS News, 9 May 2026 Asking yourself this question shows humility and self-awareness, and gives you opportunity to repair mistakes when needed, says Bethea. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 8 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
  • Clear agreements made today can strengthen trust, restore balance, and create momentum where things had felt stalled.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Blackwood made the initial stop, but Faber was there at the edge of the crease and the puck went off the Minnesota defenseman’s body and into the net to restore the three-goal advantage.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Broadway producers also caught on to Bradley’s abilities, and hired him to fix dud numbers and even whole shows.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • That said, home equity loan interest rates are fixed and won't change even if the rate climate does, which could be favorable for those concerned about borrowing against their home equity (the home functions as collateral).
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 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
  • Because this decision has revived the debate within the Democratic Party about potentially adding more seats to the Supreme Court.
    NBC news, NBC news, 10 May 2026
  • Tom Bradley, who was elected mayor of Los Angeles in the nineteen-seventies and went on to serve five terms, made reviving the streetcar (and a subway to the sea) a cornerstone of his platform.
    Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 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
  • This story was updated to refresh headlines and add new information.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • Most people refresh LinkedIn all day seeking validation, not growth.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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