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
Commentator Rampage Jackson indicated the need for an operation, explaining that bicep tears typically require immediate surgical repair. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 All of this can lead to higher repair costs, not to mention shortening your vehicle’s lifespan. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
Left unchecked, water damage will only get worse and more costly to repair. Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026 Improvements would include repairing the aging triple cantilever and fixing drainage, railings and lighting. Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The comments were laid out in a two-page letter published via Telegram, as the country set its conditions for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and touted the prospect of a return to diplomatic negotiations.
    Sam Meredith,Lim Hui Jie,Mike Sheen, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to restore safer passage through the strait.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The restoration was completed by Maldoror’s daughter, Annouchka de Andrade, who, over almost the last decade, has slowly tracked down, collected, and restored dozens of her mother’s film works.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The algorithm first fixes both cameras on a 3D point and determines the geometric relationship between the resulting images.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And the creators of these phone gambling ads don’t even bother to fix the mistakes!
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Most of the gains occurred during the initial stages of the health emergency when student loan payments were paused.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Thomas Babor, a professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine who studies alcohol addiction, told Time that lighter, more health-conscious drinkers appear to be the ones scaling back.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Deep sleepers will appreciate the gradual wake-up call from a large catalog of alarm sounds, and an alarm volume that reaches decibels capable of reviving a bear from its hibernation.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Following interest from Drake, Netflix vowed to revive the series in 2017 with original stars Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson reprising their roles as Dushane and Sully.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Continuing to hold listening sessions at campuses all across the district is one way to rebuild the relationship with the community, Licata said.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The bathrooms were rebuilt, the patio was improved and more seating, shade and TVs were added over time.
    Evan Moore August 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers spent decades trying to target a group of mutations called RAS — responsible for nearly a third of all human cancers — but the protein’s flat shape defied typical drugs.
    Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And the collectors are looking for independent thinking, independent viewpoints, different designs, different shapes, different ideas.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ever since Bob Dylan cut Nashville Skyline in 1969, rockers have been going to Music City to refresh their sounds, kick it with the world’s best session pros, and drink deep the rejuvenating well of local realness.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Look for solutions that integrate seamlessly into your existing claims systems, provide frequently refreshed and validated property data, and support the workflows your adjusters already rely on.
    David Tobias, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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