re·pel·lent
ri-ˈpe-lənt 
variants
or less commonly repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
2
: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive
repellently
adverb
variants
or less commonly repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance that repels insects
Synonyms
Adjective
Examples of repellent in a Sentence
Adjective
The candle has a repellent effect on insects.
your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore
Noun
a can of insect repellent
Coat the exterior with a water repellent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is the family of about 15,000 chemicals used for their water repellent and oil repellent properties, such as in nonstick pans or fast food packaging.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
If the smell of other repellents bothers you, this may be a better option.
—Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repellent 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adjective
An article posted on the Whole Dog Journal website recommended using non-toxic bee and insect repellent to reduce the amount of bugs flying around that could trigger your dog.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is the family of about 15,000 chemicals used for their water repellent and oil repellent properties, such as in nonstick pans or fast food packaging.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024
Noun
Just keep in mind that deer repellents need to be reapplied throughout the season and after heavy rains to be effective.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
If the smell of other repellents bothers you, this may be a better option.
—Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repellent
Dictionary Entries Near repellent
Cite this Entry
“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away
—often used in combination
a water-repellent jacket
2
: causing disgust
repellently
adverb
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)
Medical Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to prevent insect attacks
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