Synonyms of repelling

repelling 1 of 2

adjective

as in repellent

Related Words

• repellent
• repulsive
• revolting
• repugnant
• irksome
• boring
• tiresome
• tedious
• unalluring
• wearisome
• offensive
• nauseating
• obnoxious
• sickening
• loathsome
• odious
• invidious
• horrid
• appalling
• abominable
• hideous
• abhorrent
• distasteful
• awful
• shocking
• horrible
• noisome
• horrendous
• drab
• pedestrian
• monotonous
• leaden
• humdrum
• jading
• dreary
• ponderous
• flat
• dull

Dissimilar Words

• magnetic
• appealing
• attractive
• engaging
• charming
• alluring
• seductive
• enchanting
• fascinating
• charismatic
• entrancing
• absorbing
• glamorous
• fetching
• elfin
• galvanic
• hypnotic
• gripping
• luring
• enthralling
• bewitching
• arresting
• engrossing
• riveting
• captivating
• enticing
• tempting
• tantalizing
• hypnotizing
• spellbinding
• mesmerizing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repulsing
• resisting
• fighting
• deflecting
• turning back
• turning away
• rebutting
• opposing
• withstanding
• fending (off)
• beating off
• staving off
• standing off
• defying
• holding off
• warding (off)
• spurning
• rebuffing
• snubbing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• embracing
• welcoming
• hailing

2

as in disgusting

to cause to feel disgust

the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repulsing
• disgusting
• appalling
• sickening
• nauseating
• horrifying
• revolting
• distressing
• insulting
• shocking
• putting off
• grossing out
• displeasing
• outraging
• turning off
• turning one's stomach
• offending
• disquieting
• affronting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attracting
• pulling
• luring
• charming
• drawing
• seducing
• disarming
• enticing
• fascinating
• captivating
• tempting
• bewitching
• alluring
• enchanting
• gratifying
• pleasing
• delighting
• tickling
• rejoicing
• interesting
• beguiling
• appealing (to)
• intriguing
• entrancing
• enthralling
• enrapturing

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

• resisting
• opposing
• withstanding
• fighting
• combating
• defying
• bucking
• thwarting
• contesting
• countering
• battling
• contradicting
• challenging
• hindering
• stemming
• obstructing
• contending (with)
• disputing
• foiling
• frustrating
• checking
• balking
• baffling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submitting (to)
• yielding (to)
• bowing (to)
• surrendering (to)
• succumbing (to)
• stooping (to)
• giving in (to)
• capitulating (to)
• knuckling under (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repelling

Verb

Argentina’s wily, extroverted goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, was its standout performer, repelling some, spilling others. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

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