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
Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, a cross-curricular supplemental resource, the program equips students with practical clothing repair and customization skills, from sewing a button to patching a hole or tailoring a hem. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 Around 30 machines are out for play, and a half dozen are in the back in various states of repair. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Over time, those moments build relational capital, meaning the shared trust and history friends can draw on when life becomes difficult or a disagreement needs repairing. — Justin Vaughn, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026 Most of their work consists of repairing and restoring instruments. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • In 2013 the agency issued a rule saying the exclusion should apply only when an orphan drug is actually used for the rare condition it was designated for.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • It may not be recommended during pregnancy or for people who are immunocompromised or have certain medical conditions.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Rebound Cream is a daily leave-in solution designed to fight frizz, restore shine and add definition, with ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and rosemary extract.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Taurus Moon opposes Venus across your domestic and career zones, highlighting the difference between being visible and feeling restored.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX launched commander Jessica Watkins and her crew for NASA after a three-week delay to fix their Dragon capsule's leaking fuel system.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has tried to fix this before.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The rapid spread of Ebola has been aided from the onset by widespread skepticism among locals who have dismissed the disease as a hoax, even attacking health workers and health facilities on multiple occasions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Harold Hamm Health Campus also brings together six health professions colleges and the university’s graduate college—more than 4,100 students—to build a pipeline to address those issues.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Founding members Scherzinger, Wyatt and Roberts revived PCD earlier this year following a brief reunion as a quintet in 2019.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The full cycle of forming a spore and then reviving it came to nearly 10 billion ATP molecules, one of the most expensive things a bacterium ever does.
    — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The roughly 500-square-foot boutique, Meyer’s first and sole retail location, opened in 2018 and is back in business as the neighborhood continues to rebuild following the Palisades fires.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eiglarsh also said his client wants to move forward and focus on his eight children and rebuilding his professional opportunities, including endorsement deals.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While moving, the cord returns to its original shape, ready to power its next leap so long as the infrared light is still shining.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The look was elevated by Le Silla’s recognizable stiletto heel shape which flares ever so slightly.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Marvell Technology is hosting an investor day, and some refreshed targets could help the AI semiconductor trade.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And in China, Hill noted the progress the new leadership team has made over the past six months, and detailed plans to tighten up the region’s digital channels and refresh physical doors.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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