1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to resist
to refuse to give in to
repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Made from moisture-wicking fabric, this workout tank naturally repels sweat to keep you cool during high-intensity workouts and outdoor activities.
—
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Alternatively, can make a DIY spray to help repel pests, as long as it is reapplied regularly.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
However, Hawaii Forest & Trail has permission to take small groups to the summit on a five-hour Hidden Craters Hike that includes repelling into and scrambling through a large lava tube.
—Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The chemical is believed to work in a number of ways—jamming smell detectors so that mosquitoes cannot recognize a human or animal target, conferring a bitter taste that mosquitoes detect on their feet, or mimicking the smell of natural mosquito-repelling plants.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Alternatively, can make a DIY spray to help repel pests, as long as it is reapplied regularly.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
However, Hawaii Forest & Trail has permission to take small groups to the summit on a five-hour Hidden Craters Hike that includes repelling into and scrambling through a large lava tube.
—Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The chemical is believed to work in a number of ways—jamming smell detectors so that mosquitoes cannot recognize a human or animal target, conferring a bitter taste that mosquitoes detect on their feet, or mimicking the smell of natural mosquito-repelling plants.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
-
Firstman’s debut directorial effort, Club Kid, shrewdly acknowledges those garish personality tics, which have both endeared and repulsed audiences.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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Anyone who has worked in or observed the media industry for the last couple of decades will recognize and be repulsed by nepo-baby Jay, who is undeniably villainous.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara, is a righteous Irish journalist, also loquacious, also hot, but disgusted by ostentatious displays of wealth.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Even Florida voters who usually support Republicans should be disgusted and realize that what goes around comes around.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The printing director who resisted the effort said she was reassigned last month.—
Jonathan O'Connell,
Washington Post,
28 May 2026
-
Moise is charged with driving under the influence (DUI), grand theft, fleeing and eluding, and resisting an officer.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The outbreak has sickened at least 134 people and killed 18 across Congo and Uganda, with survivors describing harsh symptoms, scarce therapies and fearful neighbors who kept their distance.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
Soon afterward, two more passengers sickened and died, and at least eight others were infected.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
The coalition opposing the bill, which includes firms with a financial stake in the outcome, has published constituent letters making the human case against reform.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
-
The poll found the majority of Republicans, 52%, and a plurality of MAGA supporters, 45%, oppose the controversial fund set up by the Justice Department to pay people who believe they’ve been victimized by the government.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Still, one reason the Twins are playing better than expected is their ability to withstand myriad injuries and underperformance in the starting rotation.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Holzinger has spent the past decade building a reputation as one of Europe’s most uncompromising performance artists—filling opera houses and theaters with motorbikes, helicopters, heavy machinery, nudity, and feats of endurance that test what a body can withstand.—
Lilyanna D'Amato,
ARTnews.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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