1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disgust
to cause to feel disgust
the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to resist
to refuse to give in to
repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Polyester: Great at repelling water, polyester is durable and can hold heavy loads.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Best of all, the scent of mint repels an assortment of watermelon pests, including flea beetles and aphids, and mint and watermelon pair beautifully together in recipes, like watermelon, feta, and mint salad.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
The front element features a fluorine coating to help repel dust and dirt, although that front element does feel vulnerable to damage.
—James Abbott, Space.com, 23 May 2025
Speaking with Russian state-run news agency Interfax, Ushakov said Putin shared details about Ukrainian attacks that Russia claims to have repelled ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
Newsweek has contacted Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment by email.
—Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Best of all, the scent of mint repels an assortment of watermelon pests, including flea beetles and aphids, and mint and watermelon pair beautifully together in recipes, like watermelon, feta, and mint salad.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
The front element features a fluorine coating to help repel dust and dirt, although that front element does feel vulnerable to damage.
—James Abbott, Space.com, 23 May 2025
Speaking with Russian state-run news agency Interfax, Ushakov said Putin shared details about Ukrainian attacks that Russia claims to have repelled ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
Newsweek has contacted Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment by email.
—Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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But throughout the series, he became increasingly repulsed by these actions, which included enslaving thousands of women.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
27 May 2025
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With every cringe, with every critique of her family’s behavior, Piper has been telegraphing that those values repulse her.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The conclusion of the thesis: Prostitution and illicit substances, which Feinberg said disgusted him personally, were impossible to police and should therefore be legalized.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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He isn’t disgusted by sexuality, just innocent and uninterested.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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Henry’s story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating.—
Greg Edwards,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Listeria bacteria in cucumbers sickened dozens of people in April and May and left at least nine people hospitalized, according to the FDA.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
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Another round of cucumbers is being recalled in the wake of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 26 people across 15 states.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The legislation, Senate Bill 8, passed on a largely party-line vote of 87 to 59, with 13 Democrats opposed and one Republican, Rep. Tom Delnicki of South Windsor, in favor.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
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Some medical practitioners also opposed the measure.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Enhancing community and regional resilience Regional resilience describes a region’s ability to withstand and adapt to challenges such as economic shocks and natural disasters.—
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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Many fans withstood the inclement conditions to watch together in Central Park.—
David Waldstein,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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