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

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
That included $5 million for housing in Little Bahamas and the West Grove, and $10 million for parks throughout District 2, mainly for repairs and maintenance. Tess Riski april 10, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Make repairs as needed to prevent further damage. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
But no Attorney General in history has caused more damage to the department itself—damage that promises to long outlast Bondi’s tenure, and to be deepened, not repaired, by whoever is chosen to succeed her. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 Sokolnicki, who started repairing and restoring vehicles about a year ago, made his varsity debut this season and has been impressive so far. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Either way, this decisive energy favors clear asks and tangible action over chasing perfect conditions.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Details of her condition were not released.
    Mark Price April 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Each generation is accused of selling out true conservative principles in order to govern; a radical flank fantasizes about restoring the Party to those principles.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Focusing on a snack that is rich in carbohydrates and proteins will help rebuild and restore muscles.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As Barca’s German manager finished answering the final question of his post-match press conference, his eyes fixed on the back of the room.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Remember, honest conversations can fix a lot, but everyone has to want to fix things in the first place.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The less experienced Tyler Kolek’s playing time decreased as well as the squad returned to full health.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • His health had been in decline for years due to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In March, 2026, the agency reversed course again, reviving the program and reopening applications.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Small shifts in traditions Leo greeted the global faithful in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Latin, reviving a practice that Francis had let lapse.
    Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Technicians will replace obsolete components, including transistors and rectifiers, before rebuilding and testing each unit.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Compared with the pace in Santa Rosa after the 2017 Tubbs fire, The Times’ analysis found rebuilding in both Altadena and Pacific Palisades was markedly slower.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The pull-on waistband hits around the belly button, and the slightly wide-leg sweatpant shape feels relaxed without veering into bell-bottom territory.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
  • By pretty much every metric — student loan debt, credit scores, rates of homeownership — those who left were in worse financial shape than their neighbors, prompting them to leave for a better economic climate.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Khaliq and Mehtab Khan plan to eventually expand to a second location, continuously refresh their menu and extend hours as time goes on.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Its HydroJet System refreshes mops twice per second, ensuring a sterile clean.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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