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
This barrier helps repel stains.
—
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
In April 2025, North Korea and Russia announced that their soldiers fought together to repel a Ukraine incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Tristan Jarry got his first start of the series, repelling 34 pucks.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 Apr. 2026
Subsequent analysis of Ace's matches showed that the robot gained points not so much by hitting harder, but by its control ability, successfully repelling 75 percent of the balls.
—Marta Musso, Wired News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
In April 2025, North Korea and Russia announced that their soldiers fought together to repel a Ukraine incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Tristan Jarry got his first start of the series, repelling 34 pucks.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 Apr. 2026
Subsequent analysis of Ace's matches showed that the robot gained points not so much by hitting harder, but by its control ability, successfully repelling 75 percent of the balls.
—Marta Musso, Wired News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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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
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Floyd, distraught by his own physical failures, is nevertheless repulsed by the sight of Carol in her big, burly ump gear.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Even the consciousness on the back of her head is disgusted with her, but hey, Ashley has always been her own worst critic.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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The researchers also found that being young, female, and well educated increased the odds that someone would be moist averse, as did being disgusted more generally by bodily functions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But the California high school athletics governing body has resisted, sparking outrage from anti-trans groups.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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These allow companies to resist speculative takeover and embed mission and values for the benefit of employees, customers, and/or the broader community.—
Alex Amouyel,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Now, bird-watching may be at the epicenter of the outbreak on board the MV Hondius, in which three people have died and five others were sickened.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
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In March, the Star Princess faced an outbreak that sickened more than 104 guests and 49 crew members.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Extending housing to remote areas requires new roads, water systems, sewers, schools, and fire protection, all of which are costly and often opposed by local governments.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The wall is opposed by environmental groups, local sheriffs, and a far-right pro-gun YouTuber who is the region’s Republican nominee for Congress.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The city should prioritize ensuring underserved communities are designed to be environmentally resilient and in compliance with current standards so that the infrastructure can withstand natural disasters.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Beyond the hospital walls, there were no doctors or nurses to provide advice and reassurance, and no obvious checkpoint at which her body could once again withstand the rigours of elite sport.—
George Ramsay,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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