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 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
  1. repulse
  2. disgust
  3. resist
  4. sicken
  5. oppose
  6. withstand
Verb
  • She’s still repulsed by the carving, but her camera is drawn to something else.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 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
  • 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
  • Could the temporary seating at BMO Field actually withstand the number of people All those fears were quelled when Toronto put on six memorable matchday experiences, along with raucous watch parties throughout the city.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Unlike traditional nail polish, gel can withstand any of your final summer adventures without chipping or scuffing.
    — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 19 July 2026
Definition of withstand

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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 23 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of repel for Spanish Speakers

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