Synonyms of repels

repels

verb

present tense third-person singular of repel

1

as in repulses

to drive back

the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repulses
• resists
• deflects
• turns back
• turns away
• opposes
• rebuts
• fights
• fends (off)
• withstands
• beats off
• staves off
• stands off
• defies
• rebuffs
• spurns
• holds off
• wards (off)
• snubs

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• embraces
• welcomes
• hails

2

as in disgusts

to cause to feel disgust

the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgusts
• repulses
• sickens
• appalls
• horrifies
• nauseates
• revolts
• shocks
• displeases
• grosses out
• puts off
• turns off
• distresses
• offends
• turns one's stomach
• outrages
• insults
• disquiets
• affronts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attracts
• draws
• pulls
• entices
• tempts
• seduces
• lures
• fascinates
• captivates
• disarms
• pleases
• beguiles
• charms
• delights
• rejoices
• enchants
• tickles
• gratifies
• allures
• bewitches
• appeals (to)
• interests
• entrances
• intrigues
• enthralls
• enraptures

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

• resists
• opposes
• withstands
• fights
• defies
• contends (with)
• contradicts
• hinders
• combats
• counters
• stems
• thwarts
• frustrates
• bucks
• obstructs
• challenges
• baffles
• contests
• disputes
• foils
• balks
• checks
• battles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yields (to)
• submits (to)
• succumbs (to)
• surrenders (to)
• bows (to)
• gives in (to)
• stoops (to)
• capitulates (to)
• knuckles under (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repels

The strong aroma of onions repels many garden pests and can keep deer and rabbits from nibbling on your bell peppers. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

Sage can be a real asset in the garden that repels pests from other plants and attracts pollinators with its flowers. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 May 2026

The chaos of American life repels her. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026

If your glass doors have a special coating that repels stains, test cleaners in an inconspicuous place first and check with the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 May 2026

The South China Morning Post stated that this molecule uses its rigid, bulky structure to physically shield the iron core from chemical attack, while its strong negative charge creates a force field that repels leaking particles. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

The herby scent also repels flies, gnats, and some ticks. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026