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

Some plants naturally repel squash bugs, while others attract predatory insects that feed on squash bug eggs and nymphs. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

During the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88, which Khomeini prolonged for several years after repelling the Iraqi invasion, a disproportionate burden fell on Iranians in the southwestern and western provinces. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Some of these hacks include mixing baking soda and sugar, putting bay leaves around cabinets and under appliances and repelling roaches with essential oils. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 July 2026

However, these plants also help to repel ants and other common garden pests. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026