1
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
2
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
There’s some evidence that suggests that the smell of peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil and other essential oils can repel ticks.
—
Dan Simms, USA Today, 4 June 2026
State security forces repelled attacks on their positions and launched investigations to identify those responsible for organizing, financing and carrying out the violence, police said.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Count on the strong aromatic oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare) to naturally repel aphids, spider mites, thrips, and beetles around your pepper plants.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
Through smart positioning and tactical moves (plus powers) used at the right times, the goal is to either annihilate or repel the enemy forces.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Dan Simms, USA Today, 4 June 2026
State security forces repelled attacks on their positions and launched investigations to identify those responsible for organizing, financing and carrying out the violence, police said.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Count on the strong aromatic oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare) to naturally repel aphids, spider mites, thrips, and beetles around your pepper plants.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
Through smart positioning and tactical moves (plus powers) used at the right times, the goal is to either annihilate or repel the enemy forces.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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Floyd, distraught by his own physical failures, is nevertheless repulsed by the sight of Carol in her big, burly ump gear.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In the mid-19th century, Kasanje was able to repulse a Portuguese military expedition.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara, is a righteous Irish journalist, also loquacious, also hot, but disgusted by ostentatious displays of wealth.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Trump aides now accuse the bipartisan group of resisting the rightful role of the commander in chief to put his own mark on the celebrations.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
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Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Last year, another manufacturer recalled its product — ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula — after an outbreak of infant botulism sickened dozens of babies across the country.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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At least 233 people have been sickened in eight outbreaks that federal and state regulators have connected to McAfee’s farm since 2006, and at least 40 of them have been hospitalized.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Investigators determined that one person initially opened fire during the altercation, which led to a person from the opposing group to return fire.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
11 June 2026
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Sabellico had characterized his campaign as one opposing extremism, while Allman billed his as focused on improving academics and transparency.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The world’s most pungent herbs and spices come from desert landscapes, as plants concentrate the chemical compounds that increase flavor intensity into leaves and seeds in order to withstand arid conditions.—
Von Diaz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
11 Dec. 2025
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Test this mixture on a single leaf first to ensure the plant can withstand it.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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