REPAIR Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

repair 1 of 2

noun

Definition of repair next

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

ri-ˈper

as in to restore

to bring back to a former condition or vigor it will take some time to repair your energy after a bout with the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to fix

to put into good shape or working order again having trouble finding someone who repairs audio components

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

And will the United States remain a liberal democracy, or will its institutions gradually erode beyond recognition or repair? —

Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 The stores offered free remodeling and repair clinics too. —

Lee Habeeb, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Other Republicans sought to repair the damage — and expressed dismay that Trump and his team allowed such a gaffe to happen in the last week before the election. —

Erin Doherty, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 Paul Pelosi was hospitalized for six days following the attack and underwent surgery to repair the skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. —

Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repair

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair

Noun

The idea of vigorous exercise can be daunting to people who are out of condition, Manmadhan said.

Linda Carroll, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Their daughter, Ruth O'Loughlin, hoped her parents could stay safe amid the conditions.

Marina Watts, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024