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
Behind the scenes Monro is engaged in the provision of automotive undercar repair and tire services in the United States, operating more than 1,100 repair shops and tire dealers in 32 states under multiple regional brands. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025 In March 2024, CMSA said in a statement that a fragment had hit one of the Tiangong space station’s solar panels, damaging it and causing a power loss that forced astronauts to perform spacewalks to make repairs. Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
After years of neglect, local organists repaired the instrument and officials set up a fund to cover the organ's maintenance needs, according to information from the Memorial Auditorium's official website. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Nov. 2025 Barkov, who is sidelined while recovering from surgery to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee, has played in 804 games with the Panthers. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • These plans are gaining in appeal in some cases for younger Americans without existing health conditions, to save them from paying for full coverage.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • These conditions make travel difficult.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • By mid-2025, the two countries had opened discussions on defense and free trade, and Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan for a trilateral summit in June after restoring diplomatic ties with the latter.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • With the transit system running a deficit, the County Board did not specifically restore any of those routes during its deliberations over County Executive David Crowley's budget.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The White House pushed back against that characterization and argued the administration only aims to fix the years of politically motivated enforcement that occurred under Democrats and their holdovers.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
  • For example, the tests measure AI’s ability to fix inconsistencies in customer invoices Excel spreadsheets for an imaginary sales analyst role, or AI’s ability to create a full production schedule for a 60-second video shoot for an imaginary video producer.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Three Dallas restaurants failed inspection and rodents and roaches were found at others, according to the city’s latest health inspection report.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Executive Director Jessica Altman and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, used Friday’s event to highlight the importance of affordable health coverage.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even before he was forced from office, Oli began to hew closer to China, breaking protocol in 2024 by visiting Beijing before New Delhi to revive dormant rail talks and security coordination.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • For many Venezuelans, still reeling from years of hyper-inflation before the pandemic lockdowns, the new price hikes revive a familiar nightmare.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In return, New York acquired multiple first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, signaling a willingness to accumulate early picks and target premium prospects in a bold move to rebuild from the ground up.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Morgan Stanley lowered its rating on shares to equal weight from overweight and cut its price target $81 from $179, saying the company’s new efforts to rebuild its offerings will take time.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The final shape of Fence was to be determined by whatever land-use permissions were granted to the Christos.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Designed by women, for women, the Trailmix Cargo Pants are lightweight, durable, and stretchy, with an adjustable waistband that actually stays put, and a flattering shape that’s hard to find in women’s hiking gear.
    Ariana Dickson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Screens displayed the election results, periodically refreshed as onlookers awaited the most recent vote tally.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead, Mike’s work empowers patients to preserve their individuality while feeling refreshed, confident, and wholly themselves.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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