repair 1 of 2

noun

Definition of repairnext
as in condition
a state of being or fitness the dining table is in good repair, so you won't need to refinish it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repair

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈper How to pronounce repair (audio)
1
as in to restore
to bring back to a former condition or vigor it will take some time to repair your energy after a bout with the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to fix
to put into good shape or working order again having trouble finding someone who repairs audio components

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb repair contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of repair are mend, patch, and rebuild. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

When is mend a more appropriate choice than repair?

In some situations, the words mend and repair are roughly equivalent. However, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use patch instead of repair?

While the synonyms patch and repair are close in meaning, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

Where would rebuild be a reasonable alternative to repair?

The words rebuild and repair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

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 repair
Noun
Monro has more than 1,250 auto repair shops and tire dealers across 32 states, according to the company website. —Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 2 June 2025 Darts, which was founded in 1974, helps people 55 and older live independently by offering services like housework, outdoor chores, home repairs, technology guidance, caregiving resources, connections and transportation. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 1 June 2025
Verb
State Department of Transportation crews responded to repair the guardrail. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2025 Earhart and Putnam scraped together enough cash to repair the Electra within two months. —Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
  1. condition
  2. restore
  3. fix
  4. health
  5. revive
  6. rebuild
  7. shape
  8. refresh
Noun
  • The industry continued to grow until 2020, when a combination of weather and economic conditions dealt setbacks to farmers and processors alike.
    — Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
  • Noem said in a May statement that safety and economic conditions had improved in the country enough to warrant the program termination, which could lead to the deportation of thousands of Afghans residing in the U.S. upon its July 14 end date.
    — Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of condition
Verb
  • The council has spent months deliberating the budget and, most recently, decided to restore funding for a residential parking program, youth events and immigrant legal aid.
    — Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • That could help restore the consistency and coherence the law requires and innovators deserve.
    — Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of restore
Verb
  • Now, many of these properties are uninhabitable shells that owners have no funds to fix and complete.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Columnist George Skelton asks, Is Kamala Harris the best option to fix California’s problems?
    — Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of fix
Noun
  • New research suggests just one cup of beans daily could lower heart health markers or inflammation in people with prediabetes.
    — Sarah Garone, Health, 5 June 2025
  • The total could be much more: A special message sent to lawmakers outlines as much as $900 million in rescissions to global health.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of health
Verb
  • Syria’s oil and gas, raw materials, and manufacturing sectors could be revived, generating revenue for the government and providing livelihoods for many of the country’s citizens.
    — Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
  • Ultimately, 1970 was the most exuberant model year for the breed of automobiles whose power and tire-smoking, straight-line performance would not be revived by American manufacturers for more than four decades.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
Definition of revive
Verb
  • Any serious proposals to rebuild and stabilize the African American community must include the Black church at the table.
    — Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • His approach was patient and decisive, allow the company as a whole to rebuild trust and achieve significant financial growth.
    — David Villa, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of rebuild
Noun
  • The Buckeyes are in good shape for the foreseeable future with former five-stars Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair both on the roster, but most programs like to take a quarterback every year.
    — Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • By factoring in island shape, reef type and location, scientists and policymakers can make smarter, more effective decisions.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of shape
Verb
  • Keep reading to find must-haves to refresh your travel arsenal, with prices starting as low as $5.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
  • With summer plans filling the calendar, now’s the perfect time to refresh your capsule wardrobe.
    — Emily Weaver, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of refresh

Browse Nearby Words

repaid
repair
repairable
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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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