REPULSIVE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

repulsive

adjective

ri-ˈpəl-siv

Definition of repulsive

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

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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 Sport is full of bad actors expediting the death of discourse with repulsive antics. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 By their very nature, hydrogen atoms tend to be electrically repulsive to each other. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026 These compounds have a strong, pungent odor that many insects, including grubs, find repulsive. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 The corpse stink was, at first, slightly too repulsive to unleash on the Field Museum’s unsuspecting visitors, so it was toned down slightly. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for repulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repulsive

Adjective

Everyone starts tasting the varied, apparently disgusting, bottles.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
The third branch of government did its job, and that should be a welcome sight for all Americans given the disgusting and dangerous attacks on our democracy by the federal government.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of disgusting

Adjective

Advertisement In Brazil and South America, outbreaks of a fungus that causes a disfiguring and sometimes fatal skin disease have been sickening cats, dogs, and people.

— Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026
And, of course, leave it to Zendaya to add some sickening vintage to the WNBA Finals.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of sickening

Adjective

Losing to the Tampa Bay Bucs starting an undrafted rookie quarterback was awful, and gagging the home game in overtime to the Awful Arizona Cardinals was worse; coming back in the fourth quarter to beat the Colts is almost just as bad.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026
The only sign his group was listening to the awful things their friend/boss/son was being accused of was the very active facial expressions of Brand’s wife, Laura.

— Luke Jones, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of awful

Adjective

In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
The greatest player in the world was reduced to the role of supporting actor by Stan Wawrinka, who delivered a masterclass of a performance in possibly the most hideous shorts ever seen on a tennis court.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of hideous

Adjective

Dashcam followed in 2021, about an obnoxious content creator on a fateful and terrifying drive, as well as 2023 Stephen King adaptation The Boogeyman.

— Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026
As Claudia, Curtis is perfectly biting and obnoxious, willing to insert herself into her ex-husband’s life for sport, stomping on his feeble boundaries.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of obnoxious

Adjective

Democrats notched several shocking flips in seats President Donald won by double digits in 2024, meaning those districts will be some of the toughest to defend in a more even election cycle.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2026
Democrats felt optimistic about taking the majority earlier in the night than some had expected after the shocking win in South Carolina.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of shocking

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repulsions

repulsive

repulsiveness

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“Repulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repulsive. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of repulsive

adjective

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