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
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Recent Examples of repels
Not to mention, the suede upper is protected with a 3M Scotchguard treatment that repels water, so you’re quite literally covered for any rain showers or dirty puddles.
—
Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025
The pair are gifted grimoires at the age of 15, though Asta's is a rare Grimoire of Anti-Magic that negates and repels his opponent's spells.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
They are made with a durable nylon and spandex blend that repels water and stretches two ways.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
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, 6 Oct. 2025
This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025
His success is both what draws those closest to him and repels them from his elevated position.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Spraying clothing with the pesticide Permethrin, which repels mosquitoes and ticks.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Understanding the Causes of Cracked and Dusty Soil Soil that repels or will not absorb and hold water is called hydrophobic soil.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025
The pair are gifted grimoires at the age of 15, though Asta's is a rare Grimoire of Anti-Magic that negates and repels his opponent's spells.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
They are made with a durable nylon and spandex blend that repels water and stretches two ways.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
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, 6 Oct. 2025
This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025
His success is both what draws those closest to him and repels them from his elevated position.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Spraying clothing with the pesticide Permethrin, which repels mosquitoes and ticks.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Understanding the Causes of Cracked and Dusty Soil Soil that repels or will not absorb and hold water is called hydrophobic soil.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repels
Verb
-
The family—an ambivalent institution bar none—shapes us, and yet our individuality resists that shaping.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The extruder gears and rods are made from hardened steel, which resists wear.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even a relative newcomer, Curtis, opposes eliminating the filibuster.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Chiwenga also opposes corruption by government and Zanu PF officials but was overruled at the party’s October conference.—
Tawanda Karombo,
semafor.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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 5 Nov. 2025.
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