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
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
In the mid-19th century, Kasanje was able to repulse a Portuguese military expedition.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
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
Floyd, distraught by his own physical failures, is nevertheless repulsed by the sight of Carol in her big, burly ump gear.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
In the mid-19th century, Kasanje was able to repulse a Portuguese military expedition.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulse
Noun
-
Moore, who is married with three young daughters, has not yet commented on his dismissal.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Kessler said details would be forthcoming, as Bell will need to approve the dismissal of the lawsuit.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Many of the crew members are disgusted by Vito's homosexuality, but Phil seems to take special exception to this revelation, going out of his way to demand Tony take him out and becoming violently angered even at the mere mention of Vito's name.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara, is a righteous Irish journalist, also loquacious, also hot, but disgusted by ostentatious displays of wealth.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
There was so much energy and enthusiasm and ambition coming out of those gatherings that anyone who got near us was in danger of being repelled by the sheer force of it.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
-
It’s meant to contrast with the walls designed to repel refugees.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The matter-of-fact rebuff feels very French, very Oklou.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Harrison didn't appear bothered by the rebuff because his goal was not to get a question answered.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Last year, another manufacturer recalled its product — ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula — after an outbreak of infant botulism sickened dozens of babies across the country.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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At least 233 people have been sickened in eight outbreaks that federal and state regulators have connected to McAfee’s farm since 2006, and at least 40 of them have been hospitalized.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Trump aides now accuse the bipartisan group of resisting the rightful role of the commander in chief to put his own mark on the celebrations.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
-
Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Midway Rising is proceeding using state affordable housing incentives to circumvent the court’s rejection of Measure C, which exempted the Midway District from height limits.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Dec. 2025
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Despite previous rejections from Jack Dubois (Huszar), who oversees the entries, Holly finds an unexpected opportunity to assist legendary glassblower Bianca Bonhomme, to help Jack.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Democratic lawmakers were predictably appalled by Pulte’s selection.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2026
-
The in-studio audience appeared equally appalled by Consuelos' line of questioning.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulse. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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