repair 1 of 2

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

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 two women are in a rematch after Taylor, the co-owner of three auto repair shops, beat Adams in the 2023 election by just 53 votes, in what was the closest House race that year. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025 His winning concept, The Revival Circularity Lab, would transform this waste into valuable inputs through upcycling, repair and design. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
It was being developed by NervGen, a Vancouver biotech focused on treatments to repair the nervous system. Nick Stern, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025 Even then, the employees explained that repairing the engine's synchronization issues wouldn't solve its oil burning issue. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • These plans are gaining in appeal in some cases for younger Americans without existing health conditions, to save them from paying for full coverage.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • These conditions make travel difficult.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • About 1,500 employees in the state Department of Human Services' Division of County Operations will be furloughed Friday unless federal funding is restored, according to the agency's website.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Sherrill’s campaign had focused on restoring trust in government, fixing New Jersey’s troubled infrastructure, and lowering costs for middle-class families.
    Nik Popli, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The nonprofit says its clients, many of whom are seniors on a limited or fixed income, will lose an average of $176 per month in food assistance.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The retail and banking industries, rarely allies in Washington on policy matters related to point-of-sale, are demanding that Washington issue guidance or pass a law fixing the issues that are arising due to the shortage.
    Ken Sweet, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In 2020, health issues and a death left Harrison's mother unable to care for the kids, Kyla Rose and Emery.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The charitable organization funded by the Johnson & Johnson heiress is known for gifts to education, health and civic projects.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Biden was even less enthusiastic about reviving international economic institutions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That, plus the prospect of tax hikes, is reviving interest in real estate in the city’s affluent suburbs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The eventual compromise saw the government move his house, brick-by-brick, and rebuild it in the opposite river bank.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Exterior walls of the tunnel are being rebuilt to fix drainage issues.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The cropped, slim fit gives it a modern shape that layers cleanly under blazers or coats.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • See one example in the away win over Dynamo Kyiv, where Mateta makes a near-post sprint as Yeremy Pino shapes to cross.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Screens displayed the election results, periodically refreshed as onlookers awaited the most recent vote tally.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead, Mike’s work empowers patients to preserve their individuality while feeling refreshed, confident, and wholly themselves.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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