repair 1 of 2

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

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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

Examples 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
The Bill forces manufacturers to provide tools, parts, and repair information to consumers and independent repair shops. Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 8 Dec. 2024 Wilms said the kind of repairs that now require a permit will allow the city to be informed about how significant or how poor the construction may have been originally. Samuel Clanton, arkansasonline.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
This kind but concentrated formula uses a variety of proteins to bolster hair and golden quinoa to soothe, repairing dryness, breakage, and other damage. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 Silver has worked to repair the relationship between the league and China. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repair 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • San Francisco police provided Mangione’s name to the FBI on Dec. 5, according to a law enforcement official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
    Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar).
    Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, Health, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • If Yoon is impeached, his presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers.
    Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Investments are imperative to restore systems to deliver essential basic services, like education, water and sanitation, health, nutrition, social welfare and social protection, leaving no child behind.
    Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The solution isn’t fixing the other person but addressing the dynamic itself.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Woolford also recommended that parents not use threats to fix misbehavior.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Along with the financial backing that came with new ownership, the new CEO, Jorgenson, took measures to improve Scribe Media’s financial health.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The powerful organic chocolate is combined with several other antioxidants such as goji, longan and schisandra berries, astragalus and maca to boost energy and overall health through the winter months.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This past April, O’Grady won a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, which was to support a new performance art piece reviving an old character from her past work.
    Benjamin Sutton, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • That was just one of several costly acquisitions likely to be unwound as the company struggles to revive itself.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But what about having to rebuild a roster on what seems like an annual basis?
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This mindset paints climate change as a window of opportunity - a threat on one hand, but also a chance to rethink and rebuild how finite natural and humans resources are used.
    Jamil Wyne, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite the age and public use, a majority of the games here were in great shape.
    Reece Rogers, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The Celtics are now valued at $5.66 billion coming off their championship run and in good shape to possibly run it back for another ring.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • For example, a modular collection can be refreshed with new elements — such as detachable collars or sleeves — without requiring a complete overhaul of the product line.
    Andre Claudio, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Drive only when alert and refreshed: Driving on 4 or 5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication).
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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