REPEL Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

repel

verb

ri-ˈpel

Definition of repel

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

as in to disgust

to cause to feel disgust the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 repel Some plants naturally repel squash bugs, while others attract predatory insects that feed on squash bug eggs and nymphs. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026 During the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88, which Khomeini prolonged for several years after repelling the Iraqi invasion, a disproportionate burden fell on Iranians in the southwestern and western provinces. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 Some of these hacks include mixing baking soda and sugar, putting bay leaves around cabinets and under appliances and repelling roaches with essential oils. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 July 2026 However, these plants also help to repel ants and other common garden pests. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel

Verb

She’s still repulsed by the carving, but her camera is drawn to something else.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Definition of repulse

Verb

In 2017, the Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine went to a team of French researchers who used advanced brain-scanning technology to measure the extent to which some people are disgusted by fromage.

— Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
Kim The call left Kim Grindell disgusted, furious and wracked with guilt.

— Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026

Definition of disgust

Verb

However, the connection between these filaments and supermassive black holes has been elusive, meaning this mechanism has resisted confirmation.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
For example, if your place has a dining room, resist the temptation to squeeze in a table for six when a normal-size table for four would be more comfortable.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Samples collected by Midwest Poultry at farms in Texas tested positive for salmonella, and genetic testing showed that some samples match the bacteria strain that sickened people, federal officials said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
That outbreak has already sickened more than 1,640 people, while overall cyclosporiasis cases have surpassed 4,100 nationwide since May, according to federal health officials.

— Sarah Morland, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Definition of sicken

Verb

Sure, the three looked better as the season went on but opposing offenses still continued to attack, something that will surely happen again if there’s no improvement.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
The coalition, formed by JD Hopper of Ballantyne, did not initiate the first protest but has helped organize community members who oppose the Morrison YMCA sale.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

Could the temporary seating at BMO Field actually withstand the number of people All those fears were quelled when Toronto put on six memorable matchday experiences, along with raucous watch parties throughout the city.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Unlike traditional nail polish, gel can withstand any of your final summer adventures without chipping or scuffing.

— Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 19 July 2026

Definition of withstand

Browse Nearby Words

repeats

repel

repelled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of repel

verb

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