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

This natural pest control spray keeps roaches, stink bugs, spiders, ants, centipedes, crickets, and tons of other bugs away thanks to its strong scent that repels them without harsh chemicals. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

The York features espresso feet and comes upholstered in the retailer’s contract-grade Performance Everyday Velvet, which promises to repel liquids and resist abrasions of daily life. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

The running back, 25, had a career night in his first game with the Chiefs, tallying 173 rushing yards on 23 carries, seemingly repelling opponents which resulted in multiple Broncos missed tackles. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

This includes rain-repelling treatments like Rain X, adds Musson. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 12 Sep. 2026