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
Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled.
—
Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia said Iran had targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled.
—Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and other larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia said Iran had targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled.
—Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and other larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
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And Republicans are among those repulsed by the ongoing scandals.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Pelicot is disgusted by the question.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
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But what are the limits to how much an advertiser might want to make their audience feel uncomfortable or disgusted?—
Ralph Jones,
HubSpot,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Score decorative pillows by Sunbrella and Kelly Clarkson Home that resist moisture and fading, offering comfortable lounge accessories that add a pop of color—and when temperatures drop, there’s even an outdoor-friendly throw blanket.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
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He is charged with multiple counts of battery on an officer, resisting arrest and possession of multiple drugs with intent to sell.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Just like in humans, salmonella exposure can sicken pets, causing lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and a decreased appetite.—
Jeremy Tanner,
The Hill,
2 Mar. 2026
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In all, 48 babies were sickened since 2023.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Progressive groups are vowing to mount challenges from the left to any lawmaker who opposes the war powers vote, Axios reported.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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Pairing those two together in nickel and dime packages could create uncanny pre-snap looks for opposing offenses.—
Mike Kaye
Updated March 5,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As someone who frequently spends weekends on the lake or traveling to and from children’s sporting tournaments, durable products that can withstand transferring from the truck to the boat and everywhere in between are necessary.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Instead of the fanciest, most high-maintenance option, Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, recommends choosing washer-safe curtains that can withstand the heat and agitation necessary to get rid of mold and mildew.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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