1
as in repulses
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 disgusts
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in resists
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
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 repels
Political interference in mergers and acquisitions approvals and daily operations repels foreign investment and damages confidence in market operations.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, is a hound with coarse, wiry fur that conveniently repels dirt and does not mat, according to the AKC.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
The oil penetrates the wood to keep it from drying out, while the beeswax adds a gentle protective layer that repels water.
—Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
The president has eschewed the messaging discipline that’s common among most politicians, an authenticity that appeals to some voters and repels others.
—Josh Boak, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
This repels other migrating ions, acting like a traffic jam at the most important internal junctions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Philosophically, the idea of proving one’s innocence repels me.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Nov. 2025
The windshield repels the huddled form and the thump on the pavement sounds like a rebuke.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
It’s made from solid red wood cedar that’s water-resistant, won’t decay, and repels insects.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, is a hound with coarse, wiry fur that conveniently repels dirt and does not mat, according to the AKC.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
The oil penetrates the wood to keep it from drying out, while the beeswax adds a gentle protective layer that repels water.
—Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
The president has eschewed the messaging discipline that’s common among most politicians, an authenticity that appeals to some voters and repels others.
—Josh Boak, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
This repels other migrating ions, acting like a traffic jam at the most important internal junctions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Philosophically, the idea of proving one’s innocence repels me.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Nov. 2025
The windshield repels the huddled form and the thump on the pavement sounds like a rebuke.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
It’s made from solid red wood cedar that’s water-resistant, won’t decay, and repels insects.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repels
Verb
-
The tabletop sits on a sturdy cross-shaped base and resists scratches and stains.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
-
When Bz points north, Earth’s field resists it; when Bz swings south, the two fields connect, allowing plasma to stream in.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Before that, the inspirational Moon opposes mending Chiron, stirring tender feelings around support, boundaries, and care.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Hamel is a member of the Franklin Park Defenders, a group that firmly opposes the stadium and wants a more affordable option.—
Riley Rourke,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Just thinking about it totally sickens me.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
-
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria sickens about 1,250 Americans every year and causes approximately 172 deaths.—
News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repels. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
