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 Luxury Pillow keeps your head and neck in the ideal position to stay asleep all night, made with soft bamboo viscose material that naturally repels common household non-living allergens. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

The exteriors are made with waterproof mesh that dries quickly and repels water, and spacious toe boxes will never squeeze your feet or cause discomfort. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2026

The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

This natural pest control spray keeps roaches, stink bugs, spiders, ants, centipedes, crickets, and tons of other bugs away thanks to its strong scent that repels them without harsh chemicals. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Spray the areas around your home where wasps have gathered in the past with peppermint essential oil spray, which Wong says overwhelms their sensory receptors and naturally repels them. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 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

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