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
The romancer, which bowed in SXSW, follows Julia (Hawke), a frustrated video game designer, and Charlie (Pullman), a struggling musician, having supernatural impacts on the world after attending a couples therapy seminar to repair their volatile relationship. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026 The story follows Julia, an ambitious game designer, and Charlie, a struggling musician, who are at a loss for how to repair their volatile relationship. Brent Lang, Variety, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The victim was taken to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
  • The person who confirmed the FBI’s search was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation by name and spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
    Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The Mamdani administration’s plan would remove cars from the southern end of the plaza, restore the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch as a true gateway to Prospect Park, add three-quarters of an acre of public space, cut dangerous pedestrian crossings, and speed up the B41 bus for 27,000 daily riders.
    Jonathan Timm, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
  • The Stillaguamish Tribe has been buying riverfront land in its traditional territory and removing levees to turn farmland into wetland with the hope of restoring Chinook.
    John Ryan, NPR, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • The fast growth of legal sports betting has also ushered in a slew of prosecutions against insiders seeking to fix elements of games, such as score margins or results of individual plays.
    Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The law will require grocery stores to keep prices fixed for at least one business day and would ban the use of surveillance data in pricing systems.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
  • California, Arizona, Texas and Georgia are also monitoring residents who were passengers, according to their respective health departments.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • My manufacturing, industrial and economics background will be helpful to Congress and the administration in efforts to revive our economy.
    Kevin Fixler May 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
  • Her campaign drew on the enduring support base associated with her father’s presidency, while also reviving deep divisions within Peruvian society.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • That could leave states on the hook for millions of dollars to rebuild roads, schools and other infrastructure after tornadoes, floods and other disasters that do not cause enough widespread damage to meet the new criteria for federal assistance.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 7 May 2026
  • Tehran has touted the strait as a potential revenue stream that could help rebuild the country after destruction caused by American and Israeli strikes.
    Eleni Giokos, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Scientists still have much left to learn about the billions of bubble-like shapes, Helm said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • Incorporate Fruit and Berry Bowls An instant way to add more shape and sculptural elements to your kitchen is through berry bowls, says interior designer Danushka Boulos.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 4 May 2026
  • The bathroom looks refreshed with simple black-and-white tile.
    Katie McDonough, Curbed, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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