as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of repulsive
By this time, as an infection from the rusty nail courses through his body, Carroll has become a physically repulsive wreck, an open sore, riddled with gunge and pus.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
More also cheat on their working wife or are found to be repulsive by their spouse.
—Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
That cage, the magical but also eerie Thrushcross Grange, is a sight to behold—an epic, retina-searing, sometimes repulsive, consistently jaw-dropping palace, meticulously constructed by production designer Suzie Davies.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Only Birdie finds this plan repulsive, knowing this would be the ruin of her beloved niece.
—Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulsive
Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
More also cheat on their working wife or are found to be repulsive by their spouse.
—Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
That cage, the magical but also eerie Thrushcross Grange, is a sight to behold—an epic, retina-searing, sometimes repulsive, consistently jaw-dropping palace, meticulously constructed by production designer Suzie Davies.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Only Birdie finds this plan repulsive, knowing this would be the ruin of her beloved niece.
—Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulsive
Adjective
-
The water is disgusting-looking.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
These words then take on guilt by association because of the things we have been socialized to find unpleasant, uncomfortable, or disgusting.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again on an ugly 7-for-26 shooting night, and the Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Andi's heart gave a single, sickening jolt that emptied her lungs.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
In a sickening moment broadcast live after Boyes’s shot missed, Long moved quickly about, shooting many hostages.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But in the same vein as the Jets, that guy doesn't exist at the top of the board and the Cardinals also desperately need to improve on their awful pass rush (tied for third-fewest sacks in the NFL).—
Dan Zaksheske,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Bullying is this awful ostracization of people who don’t deserve it.—
Mac Engel
April 20,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Your cab driver is taking you on a horrible route.—
Zach Schiffman,
Curbed,
24 Apr. 2026
-
There’s enough cop shows, stories about how horrible the world is, enough plot lines that are similar to each other.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The two hideous games between the Lakers and Rockets will likely come to mind relatively quickly, but the trend has been greater than just one series.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Such is a snarky line that Emily Blunt delivers as Emily Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada, a character who would rather faint than wear something hideous.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
How did his part as Benny — the Gordons’ obnoxious cousin from Las Vegas — come to be?—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
She’s guarded, gives her co-workers obnoxious nicknames, and is always ready with a snarky comment.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Their latest documentary series looks set to continue that streak, exploring a shocking real case of love, betrayal, and justice.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulsive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
