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 portion of the ceiling fell in the grand foyer, which will remain closed through the weekend until repairs can be made. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026 The engine was assembled by Finnish defense company Patria at its new facility in Linnavuori, Nokia, where the company is responsible for assembling Finland’s F135 engines and will eventually carry out their maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
Autonomous navigation Transcatheter closure is a minimally invasive technique that repairs structural heart defects without open-heart surgery. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026 For example, in animal studies, GHK-Cu was able to speed up wound healing and help repair organs, including fibrosis in the lungs. Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.
    JEAN-YVES KAMALE, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Israel robs children of their smallest joys because joy is the seed of hope, and that is how the body learns that captivity is not the natural condition of life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The challenge is backed by Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Louisiana and wants the Food and Drug Administration to restore in-person requirements for the dispensing of mifepristone.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Then on Wednesday, Justice Flávio Dino overruled his colleague and restored the two senior police officials to their posts.
    MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • New York Yankees fans spent the last three months convincing themselves that Aaron Judge riding in like the White Knight was going to fix every single problem in the Bronx.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • North Carolina Bobby Petrino has fixed all the offensive ills.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The nonprofit is focused on improving health for moms and their babies.
    Jada Robison, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The defense got some meaningful improvements in the offseason (notably by uncharacteristically trading for Dexter Lawrence), but their season will once again come down to Joe Burrow’s health.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yet as the branch of government closest to the people, Congress holds a unique spot in the system of checks and balances — one that is revived every two years as voters choose their representatives in the midterm elections, including this fall.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In the weeks ahead, Kavanaugh would work long hours on legislation to help the airline industry survive and create a federal terrorism insurance program later credited with reviving commercial development in New York City and throughout the nation.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The outreach is part of an attempt to rebuild regional ties that deteriorated after Min Aung Hlaing ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021 while serving as army chief.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Foreign leaders continue debating who should be entrusted to rebuild Gaza, as though Palestinians will not reclaim freedom with our own hands and rebuild it ourselves.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Donald, 35, rejoined the Rams in late August after two seasons away from the team, and the eight-time first team All-Pro defensive tackle has been working his way back into game shape.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The five frame collection takes inspiration from retro-futurism across each color and sculptural shape, offering a unique and bold shape to take center stage in your outfit.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • What better way to feel refreshed than by singing and dancing to your favorite songs?
    Rudi Greenberg, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Home Depot Patio Furniture Labor Day Sales If your patio furniture got plenty of love this summer, take The Home Depot’s end-of-season sale as a prime opportunity to refresh ahead of next year.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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