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
Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
The stylish boots are made with a genuine suede upper, known for its moisture and stain repellent properties, while the inside is constructed with 100 percent Australian shearling that is breathable and helps regulate temperature regardless of season.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2024
The best way to stay safe is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
—Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repellent 
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.
Adjective
Giles will demonstrate how to make an effective bug repellent from Florida native beautyberry.
—Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
The stylish boots are made with a genuine suede upper, known for its moisture and stain repellent properties, while the inside is constructed with 100 percent Australian shearling that is breathable and helps regulate temperature regardless of season.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
Tuck your pant legs into your socks. Apply an insect repellent designed for ticks.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2024
The best way to stay safe is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
—Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 5 Sep. 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 22 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share