as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
the waiter's incredibly rude repulse of our polite request for a better table—one that wasn't right next to the kitchen—prompted us to walk out
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the smell of that town's paper mill totally repulses me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to repel
to drive back
the defense repeatedly repulsed all of the offense's attempts to move the ball forward, keeping them firmly planted on the 20-yard line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repulse
Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
But many foresee a protracted, bitter conflict, particularly in the country’s east as Russian forces retrench after the humiliating repulse of their advance on Kyiv.
—Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022
Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Those repulsed by the thought of turning to artificial intelligence for information or assistance have had to contend with the frightening reality of their omnipresence.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Noun
The optical, stop-motion, and puppetry effects alone should make Brain Damage a priority on your watchlist, but Henenlotter’s film excites and repulses on a deeper level.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
But many foresee a protracted, bitter conflict, particularly in the country’s east as Russian forces retrench after the humiliating repulse of their advance on Kyiv.
—Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022
Verb
Nicole is the kind of wife who moves out of her father’s home into her husband’s home, and who has been taught to be repulsed by the mushroom spores covering her body, just like all the women in their community.
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Those repulsed by the thought of turning to artificial intelligence for information or assistance have had to contend with the frightening reality of their omnipresence.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulse
Noun
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Florida otherwise gets a pat dismissal in Newsom’s memoir.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
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Authorities say Jesus Briceno Carrillo, 31, weaved into oncoming traffic, passed cars on the shoulder, and sped past three schools during dismissal before deputies caught him on a dead‑end road.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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She was made for a man who disgusted her, in a world that gave her no say in the matter.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Pelicot is disgusted by the question.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Plants like mint, lavender, eucalyptus, and marigold may repel wasps, and traps can help reduce the colony.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
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As Venus harmonizes with Pluto, allies become evident while enemies are energetically repelled.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Braced by that humiliating rebuff, the Service wasted no time in getting serious and rallying around reform.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just like in humans, salmonella exposure can sicken pets, causing lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and a decreased appetite.—
Jeremy Tanner,
The Hill,
2 Mar. 2026
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In all, 48 babies were sickened since 2023.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Designed by Pete and Alice Dye to resist one-note dominance, Sawgrass still works like an equal-opportunity interrogator.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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One wonders to what extent a statement like that made by one of the most senior politicians in Washington might serve to strengthen Iran’s determination to resist, and how many additional lives will be lost as a result.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Researchers say a growing number of young people are turning to AI to navigate social situations — drafting rejection texts, decoding mixed signals and scripting difficult conversations.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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The rejection of the application, highly unusual for the FDA, prompted Moderna to go public with Prasad's decision and vow to formally challenge it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The murder appalled the city, and Musa’s family demanded justice.—
Anand Gopal,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
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Some Lakes residents are appalled by her solicitation.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulse. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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