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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 Chives emit strong sulfur compounds that mask the scent of cabbage, confusing and repelling these pests. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 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 Citrus peels are not effective at repelling pests due to their low concentration of insect-repelling compounds like limonene. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 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
  • 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
  • While there’s evidence that some plant extracts may have repellant properties, that doesn’t mean lining your deck with these plants will work.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 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
  • The Hansons both face felony second-degree battery charges and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, while Bone faces misdemeanor charges of obstructing government operations, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 9 July 2026
  • Under the banner of resisting the West, Khamenei defied sanctions to build up the country’s nuclear program, its arsenal of missiles and its network of militant allies across the region.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of resisting
Adjective
  • The corpse stink was, at first, slightly too repulsive to unleash on the Field Museum’s unsuspecting visitors, so it was toned down slightly.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
  • This provision is equally repulsive.
    — Austin Elias-de Jesus, New Yorker, 3 June 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
  • Everyone needs to find someone who hugs them like Messi hugs people — teammates, coaches, opposing players, young fans.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In January, the MTS passed a resolution opposing the expansion of Waymo’s robo-taxis, calling for more local control over the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
    — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Definition of opposing
Adjective
  • 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
  • The revolting legacy of the pedophile trafficker Jeffrey Epstein continues to unmask the obstacles to finding truth.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of revolting

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repelling
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Cite this Entry

“Repelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repelling. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on repelling

Nglish: Translation of repelling for Spanish Speakers

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