1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
According to the brand, the string lights must be installed within 10 feet of the ground to repel insects.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
But Israel, backed by the U.S. military and other partners, repelled those attacks and incurred little damage.
—Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
Iran has issued a warning to the U.S. and its allies not to help Israel repel its retaliatory attacks.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Garlic and onions make good companion plants for peppers because their strong scent repels pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
But Israel, backed by the U.S. military and other partners, repelled those attacks and incurred little damage.
—Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
Iran has issued a warning to the U.S. and its allies not to help Israel repel its retaliatory attacks.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Garlic and onions make good companion plants for peppers because their strong scent repels pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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The smell of cinnamon repulsed her, as did the sight of falling leaves, cornucopias, turkeys, cobwebs, ghosts, and that stupid cursive that had become the font of choice for selling pumpkin lattes and a vague notion of cozy well-being.—
Anelise Chen
June 3,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2025
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Kravitz was an assistant machine gunner who on March 6-7, 1951, repulsed with his platoon in Yangpyong, Korea, two Chinese probing attacks.—
Richard J. Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Flynt often disgusted the masses for offering one of the most graphic, and at times controversial, publications on newsstands.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2025
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We were disgusted by the ambience of this special occasion in our grandchildren’s lives.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 June 2025
Verb
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Texas is big—two hundred and sixty-nine thousand square miles—and has resisted canvassing efforts for decades.—
Eric Lach,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
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Founders who micromanage, resist feedback or avoid tough decisions often stall progress—not because the business lacks potential, but because the leader hasn’t adapted to what growth really requires.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 996 as of Thursday.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Check your fridge Ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals have been recalled after a listeria outbreak sickened people in 13 states.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Within the classroom, the Trump policy has meant opposing curriculum that allows for more than a binary — male or female — expression of gender.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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Adding this kind of power alongside Aaron Judge would create nightmares for opposing pitchers.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Verb
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The Venus lander was made to withstand the extremely harsh conditions of Venus' hostile atmosphere, ESA experts have said, and was designed to take 300 G's of acceleration and 100 atmospheres of pressure.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
23 June 2025
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These included rules for building homes higher off the ground to avoid future flooding and using stronger construction methods to withstand extreme weather events.—
Ivis García,
The Conversation,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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