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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Vrabel then asked players to resist pulling sweatshirt hoodies over their heads during meetings.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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The most resilient enterprises of tomorrow will not be the ones that resist change—but those that learn, adapt, and lead through it—with data, decisiveness, and humanity.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
9 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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Based on pre- and post-debate data collected from the audience, Sey's stance on opposing trans athletes in women's sports appeared to be the winning argument.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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While most of the council was in favor, a majority of residents in public comment opposed the idea.—
Emma Hall,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The notes seemed able to withstand water well and without getting flimsy.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
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This sophisticated trench is crafted to withstand both rain and wind while maintaining a breathable feel.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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