repair 1 of 2

Definition of repairnext
as in condition
a state of being or fitness the dining table is in good repair, so you won't need to refinish it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repair

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb repair contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of repair are mend, patch, and rebuild. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

When is mend a more appropriate choice than repair?

In some situations, the words mend and repair are roughly equivalent. However, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use patch instead of repair?

While the synonyms patch and repair are close in meaning, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

Where would rebuild be a reasonable alternative to repair?

The words rebuild and repair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of repair
Noun
Another ingredient to look for is Centella asiatica, a plant extract that can be found in La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+ and similar repair creams. Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026 Boards that skimp on maintenance or repair expenses are almost certain to find that the cost only gets worse with time. Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Verb
Tell the truth gently, and repair with care. Pubsubhub User, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2026 Chamberlin said that the transportation department invested in several Spots as part of a broader effort to use robotic technologies as a way to improve safety for Caltrans workers and more effectively maintain and repair the state’s infrastructure. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • People who have medical conditions that cause bleeding or open sores can also be vulnerable to infection.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Wandering beyond the community’s gates, Art discovers a tree of life, the fruit of which briefly and poignantly restores his youth.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
  • In a 2017 study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that when couples experience relational boredom, engaging in novel and growth-oriented activities together helps to restore relationship quality and reduce feelings of stagnation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Congressional assistance in the bid to fix college sports could be headed back to the drawing board.
    Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • Except from one small group, who spied the women coming out of the pool and seemed to fix on them with special focus.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The actress started advocating for menopause and mid-life care in 2024 − after her doctor misdiagnosed her symptoms as herpes − and pushed for legislation to fund research and education in women’s health.
    Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • Similar concerns were raised about the merger of the SAG and AFTRA health plans in 2017, which was followed by a significant curtailment in benefits a few years later.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Named after the historic Pacific Electric red car system, the venue aims to revive a sense of cultural connection in Los Angeles.
    Erica Olsen, CBS News, 31 May 2026
  • Plemons also revived the group for the show’s 10th anniversary in 2016 at the same festival, with Kirsten Dunst in attendance.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • What’s new here is the possibility of a compound that actively rebuilds bone by targeting the body’s own cellular machinery.
    Allison Palmer June 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • After losing everything in Montana, the couple tries to rebuild with Carter (Finn Little) but quickly runs into a new threat — a powerful rival ranch led by Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) and her sons, who are determined to protect their empire at any cost, according to the series’ synopsis.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite the colorful comparisons, Williams and Tsien based the museum’s shape on a visual of four hands coming together, promoting the idea that many hands shape a place, according to the center.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • Instead, alpine coziness is cleverly expressed through sleek contemporary shapes and a minimalist spin on a multitude of materials and textures.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Its recent revival is rooted in the architectural heritage of the buildings, so the aim was to renew and refresh rather than to radically reinvent.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Each year, crews rework the white limestone layer and haul in 88,000 pounds of broken brick, but only during completely dry weather, to refresh each of the courts.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on repair

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster