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 While it's best known for triggering playful behavior in cats, researchers have long known the compound also repels insects. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026 At best, marigolds confuse or repel soft-bodied insects in small areas, adds Rezk. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 Shaunfield says this flavorful herb can repel pests while attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. — Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 Earlier Friday, the Ukrainian military's General Staff reported repelling 24 Russian assaults near Kostyantynivka and other settlements. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel

Verb

Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

Definition of repulse

Verb

Kim The call left Kim Grindell disgusted, furious and wracked with guilt.

— Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Many of the crew members are disgusted by Vito's homosexuality, but Phil seems to take special exception to this revelation, going out of his way to demand Tony take him out and becoming violently angered even at the mere mention of Vito's name.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026

Definition of disgust

Verb

Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?

— Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Oshea Orchid, a local lawyer, filed the first class-action lawsuit in 2023 against the operators of the county’s second-largest landfill, alleging the fumes were sickening her neighbors, causing headaches and heart palpitations.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has sickened 54 people on New York City’s Upper East Side, prompting widespread testing of building cooling towers in the area — including at the world-famous Guggenheim museum.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 11 July 2026

Definition of sicken

Verb

Today, designers and homeowners alike are leaning towards matte or satin finishes that feel more natural, understated, and, most importantly, can withstand the wear and tear that comes with everyday life.

— Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Now, the focus was on comfort, and clothes that could withstand long hikes and full days in the sun before returning back to our beautiful stay at Willow House for late-night bonfires.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 13 July 2026

Definition of withstand

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repeats

repel

repelled

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Style

“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of repel

verb

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