re·pel·lent
ri-ˈpe-lənt 
variants
or less commonly repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
2
: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive
repellently
adverb
variants
or less commonly repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance that repels insects
Synonyms
Adjective
Examples of repellent in a Sentence
Adjective
The candle has a repellent effect on insects.
your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore
Noun
a can of insect repellent
Coat the exterior with a water repellent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Each membership tier offers different services at the car wash, including tire shining, waxing and rain repellent coating.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
The best option is to use organic repellents and attract beneficial insects that naturally manage pests.
—Ivan Terzi, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for repellent 
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Adjective
The soils become repellent to water, which then starts flowing on the surface downhill and picks up rock and debris.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Each membership tier offers different services at the car wash, including tire shining, waxing and rain repellent coating.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
The 6 Best Mouse Traps Use Natural Repellents Use natural repellents like essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or cedarwood to repel mice.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
The best option is to use organic repellents and attract beneficial insects that naturally manage pests.
—Ivan Terzi, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for repellent
Dictionary Entries Near repellent
Cite this Entry
“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away
—often used in combination
a water-repellent jacket
2
: causing disgust
repellently
adverb
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)
Medical Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to prevent insect attacks
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