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repellent

adjective

ri-ˈpe-lənt How to pronounce repellent (audio)
variants also repellant
Definition of repellentnext
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 repellent Markowski is similarly unimpressed by repellent bracelets, stickers, and passive patches, which release repellent from one small spot. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 Depending on the ingredients though, your insect repellant of choice may last a little longer. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Catnip, the euphoria-inducing herb beloved by felines, was known to have insect repellent properties, though it had never been commercialized for that purpose. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 Some Scented Herbs There is some research to suggest that natural slug repellant products made with essential oils or other plant extracts may deter slug activity. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repellent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repellent
  1. disgusting
  2. ugly
  3. awful
  4. horrible
  5. sickening
  6. obnoxious
  7. hideous
  8. shocking
Adjective
  • The better to act out empire’s idea of what disgusting demonic sickness looks like.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • These guys are disgusting over the radio in the heat of battle.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • In 2022, the Dolphins were mired in a five-game losing streak late in the season and somehow found a way to scratch out an ugly victory against the New York Jets, 11-6, in the finale to earn a wildcard playoff berth.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • As climate change continues to rear its ugly head, this summer has been particularly brutal for much of the planet.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • The Colts got whacked by the Ravens, and their new-look defense was awful.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In one respect, John Harbaugh seems to have brought winning football back to New York New Jersey Stadium; conversely, the Cowboys’ defense is sufficiently awful to make even the lowliest opponent look like a contender.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Doubs had a horrible debut in the league’s season opener last week against the Seattle Seahawks.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • By the time of the horrible accident in 1829, the deodand was on its way out.
    — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • That is one of the most shocking moments of the series, apart from some of the twists and turns towards the end, and probably the most sickening.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone felt the sickening harsh reality that this had happened on our sovereign soil and that it was meant to be an affront to everyone who felt pride in being an American.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sickening
Adjective
  • But for now, Line of Fire‘s drama remains on the right side of the divide between juicy and obnoxious.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Whether the actor is improvising or sticking closely to the script by Miles Hubley and Tommy White, Wilson’s talent and experience maintain the charm of a character who practically talks nonstop but in other hands could simply be obnoxious.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of obnoxious
Adjective
  • Another reason to feel supreme confidence in this team’s juggernaut potential is that Chicago’s defense appears to be just as hideous as the fantasy community had hoped.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Three seconds later, I was surrounded by hideous monsters who were probably nice kids before the local NBC news devoted the feature story on their prime-time show Weekend to an in-depth study of English punk.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of hideous
Adjective
  • Elaine Hendrix is sounding off about Tuesday’s shocking elimination on Dancing With the Stars season 35.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The reveal of Aaliyah was far from the only shocking moment in the finale.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of shocking

Browse Nearby Words

repellency
repellent
repelling
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Cite this Entry

“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repellent. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on repellent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repellent

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