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
However, growing strongly scented rosemary plants near brassicas naturally repels many common garden pests, including cabbage moths.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026
Rosemary repels damaging pests with its strong scent.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Typewriters, stationery, fine-art museums, the quintessential impressionist painter—these are all associated with taste, beauty, and craft, as well as with intentionality and care, the opposite of the ruthless technological efficiency that repels many from generative AI.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
The front glass also includes an anti-smudge coating, fluorine, a material that repels grease and moisture.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026
Foliage has a waxy covering that repels pests and discourages disease.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and other larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Solving the heat issue To tackle this problem, the team designed a coating that repels water even when droplets approach 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius).
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026
Rosemary repels damaging pests with its strong scent.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Typewriters, stationery, fine-art museums, the quintessential impressionist painter—these are all associated with taste, beauty, and craft, as well as with intentionality and care, the opposite of the ruthless technological efficiency that repels many from generative AI.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
The front glass also includes an anti-smudge coating, fluorine, a material that repels grease and moisture.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026
Foliage has a waxy covering that repels pests and discourages disease.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and other larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
The disguise simultaneously repels birds and larger predators, who have no interest in eating what appears to be excrement, while luring in the spider’s next dinner.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Solving the heat issue To tackle this problem, the team designed a coating that repels water even when droplets approach 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius).
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repels
Verb
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Sigmund Freud believed that every crush has a strand of disgust, that people are attracted to what repulses them.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Made from extra-durable, knife-friendly material, each board resists moisture, supports hygiene, and stands up to daily wear.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Supporters describe him as a fighter but Harris resists the label of politician.—
Brian Unger,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just thinking about it totally sickens me.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
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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
Verb
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The industry opposes federal regulation aimed at protecting consumers, arguing that such legislation would undermine state authority.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
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Finally, a group that opposes affirmative action is suing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, alleging that some college scholarships for Black students discriminate based on race.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repels. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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