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

Celery, thyme, marigold, and chamomile can help mask the smell of cabbage plants, while borage repels the moths. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 July 2026

While it's best known for triggering playful behavior in cats, researchers have long known the compound also repels insects. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026

The strong scent of nasturtiums naturally repels destructive insects, such as cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and whiteflies. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026

The finish also repels fingerprints and other marks, very much unlike my gray XGIMI Elfin Flip projector. — New Atlas, 29 June 2026

These 5-inch shorts are destined to become a summer wardrobe staple thanks to their 100 percent nylon material, which repels water and stains. — Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026

Wool rugs maintain their shape and texture more easily than any synthetic blend due to their durable fiber quality, which also naturally repels dirt and dust. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026

Straw naturally repels water because its outer layer is coated with a naturally occurring wax. — Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026

But basil also has a rich fragrance that repels an assortment of pests, including mosquitoes, flies, and even tomato hornworms. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026