repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

1

: incompatible, inconsistent

2

archaic : hostile

3

: exciting distaste or aversion

repugnant language

a morally repugnant practice

repugnantly adverb

Synonyms

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of repugnant in a Sentence

technically speaking, it may not be a violation, but it is certainly repugnant to the spirit of the law

Recent Examples on the Web

The head of the Zionist Organization of America endorsed Trump’s repugnant scheme. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025

James and other Black characters code switch when white characters are present; on his own, James interrogates philosophers like Voltaire for his repugnant views on slavery. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

The only thing to be improved about Better Man is the title (not to be confused with A Different Man, the repugnant indie film about deformity). —Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025

So that if and when their repugnant behavior was leaked, Lively’s reputation would be in the toilet, and she would not be believed. —Nicole Page, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, opposed, contradictory, incompatible, from Anglo-French, from Latin repugnant-, repugnans, present participle of repugnare to fight against, from re- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

1

: incompatible sense 1

2

: causing a feeling of dislike or disgust : repulsive

repugnantly adverb

Legal Definition

repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt 

: characterized by contradiction and irreconcilability

the arbitrator's decision was not repugnant to the Act

—M. A. Kelly