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 of repair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The closure is necessary to complete bridge repairs, the department said in a release. —

Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2024 Additionally, environmental factors such as moisture and temperature fluctuations can degrade concrete over time, leading to frequent and costly repairs. —

Kyle J. Russell, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Sep. 2024

Verb

There are those whose jobs require them to be outside, directing traffic on asphalt or repairing equipment on rooftops. —

Richard Ruelas, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024 Rogers will vote on: Entering into agreements with architecture firms and construction companies for the design and construction related to repairing the library, street department building, fire department training center, Northwest Park and Victory Theater from the Memorial Day weekend storms. —

Alex Golden, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repair

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.