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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Firstman’s debut directorial effort, Club Kid, shrewdly acknowledges those garish personality tics, which have both endeared and repulsed audiences.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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Anyone who has worked in or observed the media industry for the last couple of decades will recognize and be repulsed by nepo-baby Jay, who is undeniably villainous.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 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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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
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The suspects were charged with assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage and disorderly behavior in a police station.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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These triggers don’t usually sicken other kids, but in others, the abnormal immune response caused by the triggers leads to the development of these later allergic conditions, some of which are life long and can be life-threatening.—
Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
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In the end, 48 infants across 17 states were sickened and hospitalized.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Bass also accused Raman of repeatedly opposing efforts to address encampments near schools and increase police staffing.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
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The amendment would tighten existing restrictions in the Southern Baptist Convention, which already has a faith statement opposing women pastors.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Before installing tile on patios, terraces, or walkways, verify that the material is rated for exterior use and can withstand exposure to weather and temperature fluctuations.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
12 June 2026
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The tumor microenvironment allows cancer to withstand an onslaught from a body’s natural immune defenses.—
Charles J. Dimitroff,
The Conversation,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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