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 In the United States, where Makdisi enrolled in college, she was repelled by American anti-Arab prejudices. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 It’s known to repel a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes and aphids, as well as larger critters like mice. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 12 July 2026 Ahead, experts share plants that enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal while effectively repelling grubs. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Homegrown catnip oil lotion is just as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to a new study in Uganda. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 10 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

However, the connection between these filaments and supermassive black holes has been elusive, meaning this mechanism has resisted confirmation.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
For example, if your place has a dining room, resist the temptation to squeeze in a table for six when a normal-size table for four would be more comfortable.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Cyclosporiasis has been sickening thousands of people across the country, particularly in Michigan, recently with an intestinal illness causing explosive diarrhea with severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a pathogen in tainted produce, which has already sickened thousands of Americans this summer.

— Taylor Swinton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Definition of sicken

Verb

Earlier versions of the county’s early voting plan included Sunday voting, which Democrats generally supported and Republicans opposed.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
But the semi-annual change has few fans – an AP-NORC poll last year found that only 12% of American adults were in favor of it, while almost half opposed it.

— Deepti Hajela, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of oppose

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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of repel

verb

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