1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Clothes can also be treated with permethrin, an insecticide that repels ticks.
—
Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
According to Helen Rankin, founder of Cheeky Wipes, this typically includes a special hydrophobic inner layer that repels water to keep leakage contained, an absorbent core to trap period blood, and a waterproof outer layer for total peace of mind.
—Tabitha Britt, Glamour, 31 July 2025
This lens features the classic dust and moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating on the front element, which repels moisture and oil.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 29 July 2025
Samuel Au Using a new chemistry technique called nanoscale fletching, scientist have created a high-performance nonstick coating that repels water and oil and, importantly, provides a safer and more environmentally friendly surface – ideal for cookware and other everyday uses.
—New Atlas, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
According to Helen Rankin, founder of Cheeky Wipes, this typically includes a special hydrophobic inner layer that repels water to keep leakage contained, an absorbent core to trap period blood, and a waterproof outer layer for total peace of mind.
—Tabitha Britt, Glamour, 31 July 2025
This lens features the classic dust and moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating on the front element, which repels moisture and oil.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 29 July 2025
Samuel Au Using a new chemistry technique called nanoscale fletching, scientist have created a high-performance nonstick coating that repels water and oil and, importantly, provides a safer and more environmentally friendly surface – ideal for cookware and other everyday uses.
—New Atlas, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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Like Einstein, Brassard feels repulsed by the way the particles in the Bell experiment seem to have firsthand awareness of each other despite being separated by, in principle, light-years of space.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Aug. 2025
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This is something that finally repulses Ivor, and that Orla also grapples with.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
27 July 2025
Verb
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So the Chargers circled back to San Diego, winners on the books but still losers to a pocket of former fans disgusted by their exit.—
Jay Paris,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Working-class voters grew disenchanted with, and then disgusted by, elite, wealthy liberals.—
Michael Catanzaro,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Don't scratch: A healing tattoo may be itchy, but resist the urge to scratch.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
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Simply toss the topper, which resists pilling, fading, and shrinking, according to the brand, in the washing machine and tumble dry on low heat for convenient maintenance.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In that state, in October 1948, 20 people died and nearly 6,000 were sickened in the Donora Smog Event.—
Lisa Wood Shapiro,
Wired News,
9 Aug. 2025
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Key Takeaways Twenty-one people in Florida were recently sickened after consuming raw milk.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Many activists in Oak Park have consistently opposed the cameras and called for their removal.—
Bob Skolnik,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
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President Donald Trump does not oppose the plan and has decided not to intervene in the conflict, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As the Talmud tells it, when the Romans first laid siege to Jerusalem and the Second Temple, the walled city had supplies to withstand the blockade for years to come.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Aug. 2025
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There would also therefore be a strong case for the England captain Leah Williamson, who was imperious withstanding countless waves of attack from FC Barcelona and Spain in those two finals.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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