repel

verb

ri-ˈpel How to pronounce repel (audio)
Definition of repelnext
1
as in to repulse
to drive back the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

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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

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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 Insecticidal soaps, on the other hand, are made to be used on plants and can kill or repel insects without harming plants. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 Ukrainian drone defenses, minefields, and artillery effectively repelled the attack, inflicting heavy losses including seven tanks and over 150 casualties. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Plants that will help repel pests that are harmful to jalapeños include basil, garlic, chives, rosemary, marigolds, and onions. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 The meager platoon was a consolation from Lord Borros, who claims to be too busy repelling the Dornish to come to his queen’s aid. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
  1. repulse
  2. disgust
  3. resist
  4. sicken
  5. oppose
  6. withstand
Verb
  • Philly may be shedding its second-fiddle status, but it remains entirely repulsed by frauds and underachievers.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • In 2017, the Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine went to a team of French researchers who used advanced brain-scanning technology to measure the extent to which some people are disgusted by fromage.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
  • Kim The call left Kim Grindell disgusted, furious and wracked with guilt.
    — Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Definition of disgust
Verb
  • Refusing to step out when instructed can lead to charges like interfering with public duties or resisting detention, even if the underlying stop was for a minor violation.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Roq Innovation Raquel Graham dreamed up NEKZ, a scarf alternative, when her children resisted wearing them during Chicago’s frigid winters.
    — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • Michigan health officials say new cases of cyclosporiasis are declining in the state hit hardest by an outbreak that has sickened more than 12,000 people and left two dead in the state since June.
    — Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Fresh Foods remains at the center of a separate recall after hundreds were sickened with cyclospora, a parasite known to cause explosive diarrhea.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sicken
Verb
  • And a pro-clean energy super PAC called the Invest In Tomorrow Coalition spent around $2 million to support Hatcher and oppose Ogles last month.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Maniace is a director of a Queens nonprofit that opposes Metropolitan Park and one of five residents suing to revoke the casino’s state license.
    — Len Maniace, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppose
Verb
  • If history is any guide, before the restrictions go into effect, the SAFE for Kids Act may have to withstand lawsuits, similar to those filed in other states that have aimed to crack down on social media.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Investing in overall lawn health can help homeowners cultivate a more resilient lawn fit to withstand extreme weather.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of withstand

Browse Nearby Words

repeats
repel
repelled
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Cite this Entry

“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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