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
In spring 2028, MnDOT will complete additional bridge repairs and make safety and accessibility improvements for people traveling along and across Highway 280, the agency announced. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 The repair work will be cancelled if there is rain or other inclement weather, the agency said. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sanding won’t repair severe damage. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026 The case is unfolding more than three years after the couple bought their boat in Texas, worked together on repairing it and sailed along the southern coast before ending up in the Bahamas. Peter D'abrosca , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • Inside the capsule, the team assessed the astronauts' condition following exposure to microgravity, radiation and the stresses of reentry, before assisting them onto a platform outside.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In her letter, Davids reiterated that balloon data is essential to understanding atmospheric conditions in real time.
    Matthew Kelly April 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Markets, which soared to records last week on the hope that peace could finally come to the region and energy supplies will be restored, have come under pressure again.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • More than 43,000 customers lost power in Illinois but power was restored to almost all of them by Saturday night, according to electric utility ComEd.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If something feels unclear, stop and fix it before continuing.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Both the city’s Law Department and the law firms making substantial sums from these cases need to fix what clearly is a major deficit of city controls and due care and attention on the billable hours being submitted for this work.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He currently is listed as power of attorney for health and finances on her trust but that needs to stop.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As a result of this pressure, the piece notes that Kennedy’s threat led more than 30 hospitals and health systems to terminate or limit gender-affirming services for minors, demonstrating concrete harm even absent formal legal changes.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Philippines, which recently declared a national energy emergency, is also considering reviving a nuclear plant built in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis but was never turned on.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Frank Zappa’s estate has revived their archival Vaulternative Records for the first time in nearly a decade to showcase a Mothers of Invention session from 1966.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Cardinals instead chose to rebuild their foundation by going for a different need in the backfield.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Lakers led by 15 in the first half, Houston came back and then the Lakers rebuilt a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and held off the Rockets down the stretch.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The movement of Pinnock and Cheek drags out Gillingham’s defensive shape.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Nicotine, marijuana and excess alcohol have all been linked to lower sperm count, poor motility and abnormal shape.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An interior designer shares tips for choosing the right paint color and finish for your bathroom refresh.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This story was updated to refresh headlines.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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