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 extent and cost of the repairs needed, as well as a fire in 2021, have delayed the reopening of the castle and the surrounding area. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The coverage shortfall forced the couple to complete a majority of repairs on their own. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
The major maintenance period intended to repair critical systems, upgrade equipment and prepare the ship for future operations. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 Repent and repair Rather than browbeating people into repentance, the Ne’ilah service’s strategy is to boost them up into it, playing upon the biblical idea of the grandeur of humanity. — Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • The next phase will test the aircraft across increasingly demanding conditions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ticket price fluctuates based on usage conditions so as not to cause dissatisfaction among customers waiting in line.
    — Masayuki Oi Japan News, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Harvard declined to go along and eventually won a lawsuit that restored the funding.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Kelly set a hearing for Wednesday on the networks’ motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit such a ban and restore their correspondents’ credentials.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yet, in many cases simple mending, either done yourself or at a dry cleaner shop, can fix the problem.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Overcoming technical hurdles in core design Because the reactor layout is never fixed, scientists could not rely on a standard conversion design.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Certain health conditions and changes in your red blood cells can affect the results.
    — Yolanda Harris, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Organizers say the initiative combines nutrition and education, providing seniors with healthy food options while offering resources about Alzheimer's prevention and brain health.
    — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On Sunday nights, Ito loves dinner at the bar at Palizzi Social Club, a South Philly Italian club founded in 1918 and revived by chef Joey Baldino in 2017.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The scene came together for the 1984 album Rainy Day, reviving obscure nuggets from the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Love, the Velvets — a vastly influential project that opened a lot of hipster minds.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Management is investing in marketing and AI to rebuild the brand and give shoppers more reasons to come back.
    — Stephanie Link, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Forrest also hopes to raise $500 million to help rebuild the country once active fighting stops, still a sliver of the $577 billion the World Bank estimates will be needed.
    — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Younger consumers are also gravitating toward personalization and distinctive engagement-ring designs, including oval and marquise shapes.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Not refreshed old engines, not some mild-hybrid workaround, but genuinely new small-blocks designed to keep eight cylinders doing what eight cylinders have been doing for decades.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Amid all this panoramic delirium, the Philharmonic sounded tight and refreshed, its timing precise, its timbre warm.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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