Synonyms of repel

repel

verb

ri-ˈpel 

1

as in to repulse

to drive back

the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repulse
• resist
• fight
• deflect
• turn back
• fend (off)
• withstand
• rebut
• turn away
• oppose
• stave off
• beat off
• ward (off)
• defy
• hold off
• spurn
• stand off
• rebuff
• snub

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• welcome
• embrace
• hail

2

as in to disgust

to cause to feel disgust

the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repulse
• disgust
• sicken
• appall
• nauseate
• horrify
• revolt
• put off
• gross out
• distress
• shock
• turn off
• insult
• displease
• outrage
• turn one's stomach
• offend
• affront
• disquiet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attract
• pull
• lure
• draw
• entice
• seduce
• tempt
• disarm
• charm
• captivate
• beguile
• please
• fascinate
• gratify
• allure
• enchant
• rejoice
• delight
• tickle
• entrance
• bewitch
• appeal (to)
• interest
• enthrall
• intrigue
• enrapture

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

• resist
• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• defy
• combat
• thwart
• contradict
• hinder
• contend (with)
• counter
• frustrate
• buck
• challenge
• contest
• stem
• obstruct
• dispute
• foil
• balk
• battle
• check
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• bow (to)
• succumb (to)
• give in (to)
• capitulate (to)
• stoop (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repel

During wetter years, trees are healthier and can more easily repel the beetle with sap. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

The law prohibits federal officials from stationing troops or armed personnel at polling places, except when necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. — Time Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

The soldiers were among thousands sent by North Korea to help Russia repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region as part of expanding cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026