1
as in repulsing
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 disgusting
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in resisting
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
as in repellent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 repelling
Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024
But that decline can be understood as a pragmatic understanding of the difficulties of repelling an invading force.
—Anton Grushetskyi, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024
The 22-year-old has been a rock in defence, repelling all-comers on the right side of the back three.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
In late August, Kyiv confirmed that an F-16 had crashed while repelling a Russian missile and drone attack.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
This storage bag did a great job repelling dirt and water, but the fabric around the zipper does absorb a small amount of moisture.
—Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Erin Smith, whose husband Jeff Smith suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fracture while repelling the rioters, said Dana Bell, 66, contributed to her husband's attack.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024
Bombarding leads with constant emails, pushy sales calls and generic mass messaging can make a company seem desperate, harming its reputation while simultaneously repelling prospects rather than attracting them.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
This included evaluating features like breathability, arch support, traction, and water-repelling capabilities.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Chechen media reported Wednesday that Russian forces were repelling drone attacks in the region.
—Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024
But that decline can be understood as a pragmatic understanding of the difficulties of repelling an invading force.
—Anton Grushetskyi, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024
The 22-year-old has been a rock in defence, repelling all-comers on the right side of the back three.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
In late August, Kyiv confirmed that an F-16 had crashed while repelling a Russian missile and drone attack.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
This storage bag did a great job repelling dirt and water, but the fabric around the zipper does absorb a small amount of moisture.
—Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Erin Smith, whose husband Jeff Smith suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fracture while repelling the rioters, said Dana Bell, 66, contributed to her husband's attack.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024
Bombarding leads with constant emails, pushy sales calls and generic mass messaging can make a company seem desperate, harming its reputation while simultaneously repelling prospects rather than attracting them.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
This included evaluating features like breathability, arch support, traction, and water-repelling capabilities.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repelling
Verb
-
The result of a complex physical and chemical treatment process, the finish gets its name for its ceramic-like feel and matte finish while resisting scratches and scuffs.—
Brian Westover,
PCMAG,
8 Jan. 2025
-
He was arrested again in 2016, during his four-year probation term, for shoplifting from a local Walmart and resisting security and was sent back to prison.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Kids younger than 10 should not apply repellent themselves.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
21 July 2025
-
Use bug repellent containing DEET or picaridin, to effectively keep these biting bugs off of you.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
These kinds of stuck weather patterns that have intense interaction of opposing forces right next to each other are becoming more common in a changing climate.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Hochman's office also filed a motion opposing the petition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The energy needed to form a heavier nucleus needs to be large enough to overcome the repulsive electric force that positive charges, like two protons, feel with each other.—
Stephen L. Levy,
The Conversation,
23 June 2025
-
The durian fruit is famous for its strong aroma that many people find repulsive.—
Tom Downey,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
How does this happen, no matter how revolting or nonsensical the trend can be?—
Daniel Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Oct. 2022
-
These highly emotional sequences are less riveting and more revolting as they’re primarily used to add shock value, graphically depicting their triggering subject matter.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2022
Adjective
-
Perhaps equally repugnant is the thought that a magazine that once thumbed its nose seems to have shifted its hand and sadly scratches an ear.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
-
After verbally attacking President Donald Trump and top White House aide Stephen Miller with vile and repugnant rhetoric, Moran secured a spot for himself as the poster child for the definition of a world-class hater.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repelling. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share