repelling 1 of 2

adjective

as in repellent

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repelling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of repel
1
as in repulsing
to drive back the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting

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2
as in disgusting
to cause to feel disgust the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

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3
as in resisting
to refuse to give in to repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day

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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
Verb
During the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88, which Khomeini prolonged for several years after repelling the Iraqi invasion, a disproportionate burden fell on Iranians in the southwestern and western provinces. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 Some of these hacks include mixing baking soda and sugar, putting bay leaves around cabinets and under appliances and repelling roaches with essential oils. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 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 My own team’s research has shown that mycorrhizal fungi can alter chemicals released by plants in ways that are useful for repelling insects while attracting pollinators and insects’ natural enemies. — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 In fact, citronella lemongrass is the source of the essential oil used in mosquito-repelling candles. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 Earlier Friday, the Ukrainian military's General Staff reported repelling 24 Russian assaults near Kostyantynivka and other settlements. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repelling
  1. repellent
  2. repulsing
  3. disgusting
  4. resisting
  5. repulsive
  6. appalling
  7. opposing
  8. revolting
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of repellent
Verb
  • While there are dismemberments and other bits of gruesome violence to be found in the film, Badlands is largely aimed at endearing its audience rather than repulsing them.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Definition of repulsing
Verb
  • The consequences of disgusting one’s wife, whether or not one agrees with her premise, could be enormous.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Discharge Papers • Aw, The Pitt is back and happy to be disgusting again!
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Verb
  • In sportier modes, each wheel can counteract handling forces with up to 2,250 pounds of resisting force.
    — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
  • It will be used to hold detainees facing charges for violating city ordinances — such as trespassing, theft, car break-ins, resisting arrest, assault and other offenses.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of resisting
Adjective
  • If neither meal is found to be appetizing, the winner is simply determined by what the picky eater finds least repulsive.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • These compounds have a strong, pungent odor that many insects, including grubs, find repulsive.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026
Definition of repulsive
Verb
  • The young Forster recoiled from the school’s culture of authoritarianism and militaristic chauvinism, which may have found expression in the students’ often appalling attitudes toward their own mothers.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.
    — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Definition of appalling
Verb
  • Representatives for the American Chemistry Council and Fragrance Creators Association, other groups opposing the measure, declined to comment.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Shimizu voluntarily stayed in Vietnam after World War II to join the Việt Minh resistance, opposing French colonial reoccupation, the photographer explained.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of opposing
Adjective
  • Their dynamic is instead a cudgel to beat the film into an even more revolting shape.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Babies and toddlers will put just about anything in their mouths, including objects that adults find profoundly revolting.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Definition of revolting

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Cite this Entry

“Repelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repelling. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on repelling

Nglish: Translation of repelling for Spanish Speakers

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