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
Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
Nick is hired by a mafia don to confirm and then steal a priceless manuscript said to be Dante’s original Divine Comedy in his own hand, dragging Nick into an underworld he’s both repulsed by and complicit in.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Mar. 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
Cilantro, a polarizing herb that’s either adored in Mexican, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines, or repulsed by those who detect a nauseating soapy taste.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
Nick is hired by a mafia don to confirm and then steal a priceless manuscript said to be Dante’s original Divine Comedy in his own hand, dragging Nick into an underworld he’s both repulsed by and complicit in.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulse
Noun
-
The dismissal came weeks before the defendant was set to go to trial.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
-
In some ways, even that unceremonious dismissal is an acknowledgement that managers do matter.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Even the consciousness on the back of her head is disgusted with her, but hey, Ashley has always been her own worst critic.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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The researchers also found that being young, female, and well educated increased the odds that someone would be moist averse, as did being disgusted more generally by bodily functions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The strong aroma of onions repels many garden pests and can keep deer and rabbits from nibbling on your bell peppers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
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Those bright, vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red also repel flies and other insects thanks to their pungent odors.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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The development comes as global health officials continue monitoring the rare hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius, which has sickened multiple passengers.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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The outbreak has killed three people and sickened 10 since it was first identified aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius during its monthlong voyage in early May.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
Verb
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But the California high school athletics governing body has resisted, sparking outrage from anti-trans groups.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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These allow companies to resist speculative takeover and embed mission and values for the benefit of employees, customers, and/or the broader community.—
Alex Amouyel,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Florida Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin may not have realized it in December, but losing Lane Kiffin to LSU could eventually look less like a rejection and more like a fortunate escape.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
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Not as punishment or as a rejection of the technology, but as a deliberate change of pace.—
Illia Smoliienko,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The young Forster recoiled from the school’s culture of authoritarianism and militaristic chauvinism, which may have found expression in the students’ often appalling attitudes toward their own mothers.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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Hiram Crombie is shocked and appalled that Jamie is taking the Trading Post from him and kicking him and the other men off Fraser’s Ridge?—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulse. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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