1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Lesson learned: the three tarantulas were the defensive redoubt that had repelled the roaches.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
This strengthened magnetic field is better at repelling the incoming cosmic rays, which, in theory, should make the atmosphere less conducive to lightning formation.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
These are the best marigolds for companion planting and repelling pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025
The aroma of other plants repels insect and disease pests.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
This strengthened magnetic field is better at repelling the incoming cosmic rays, which, in theory, should make the atmosphere less conducive to lightning formation.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
These are the best marigolds for companion planting and repelling pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025
The aroma of other plants repels insect and disease pests.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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As Saxon and Lochlan try to decipher what happened between them, we are asked to think about why we’re aroused (or repulsed) by it.—
Louis Staples,
Rolling Stone,
24 Mar. 2025
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Even as the Russians massed forces and achieved a three-to-one advantage in troops in Kursk late last year, the Ukrainians held on—deploying mines, drones and artillery to repeatedly repulse Russian mechanized assaults.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Vara, like many of her readers, is both enchanted by the web and disgusted with the companies that control it.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
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The judge, though disgusted at her antics, still stands firm in his decision to give the prosecution access to those records because the reports about the divorce are still accessible to the jury.—
Ayan Artan,
Vulture,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The blades are crafted from alloy steel that maintains its sharpness over time and resists rust.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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September’s fiesta is in gratitude to soldiers who resisted a siege on the town by French soldiers over the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, ensuring the region remained a Basque community.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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About 70 people have been sickened by bird flu, mainly poultry and dairy workers, CDC data shows.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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So far there have been no children sickened in connection to the recall, the federal agency is reporting.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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His remarks are at odds with the state's GOP, as California Senate oppose the bill, arguing that the legislation prioritizes political agendas over the safety and security of California residents.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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One of them is his refusal to recognize Russia’s unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014 – a step that Mr. Trump is demanding of him, and that European leaders also oppose.—
Ned Temko,
Christian Science Monitor,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Because it’s loomed, the rug is more durable than standard styles, able to withstand a lot of use without suffering wear and tear.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
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The Yankees have more resources to withstand injuries than most major-league clubs.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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