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
This style of outerwear, worn over a man’s pants, consists of animal hides that still have the creature’s hair or fur attached, all the better to repel snow and rain.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 Mar. 2025
In kitchens, look for runners that repel the greases and liquids spilled by even the finest chefs.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
In goal, Hannah Hampton, the only change made by Sarina Wiegman from the side held by Portugal last week, repelled everything the world champions threw at her in the second half.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Though our allies overseas don’t see things the same way as Trump, one thing is certain — the fight to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is expensive; with estimates showing Ukraine’s supporters have spent more than $80 billion per year to aid in its defense.
—John Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 Mar. 2025
In kitchens, look for runners that repel the greases and liquids spilled by even the finest chefs.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
In goal, Hannah Hampton, the only change made by Sarina Wiegman from the side held by Portugal last week, repelled everything the world champions threw at her in the second half.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Though our allies overseas don’t see things the same way as Trump, one thing is certain — the fight to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is expensive; with estimates showing Ukraine’s supporters have spent more than $80 billion per year to aid in its defense.
—John Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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Kay’s particular diet was a recurring talking point on the show, with condiments such as ketchup and mayo among the foods that repulsed the TV voice of the Yankees.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 Jan. 2025
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These same, once skeptical business leaders rallied around Trump in 2017 but were repulsed by many of his words and actions within eight months, withdrawing support, not returning to give him a second chance until now.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Once again, DeSantis has gone too far — in this case, ideologically and geographically — and people who surely voted for him in the state’s most conservative region are disgusted.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
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Trump and Vance have never seen war up close, but are still disgusted by it.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Many assume government workers will resist new technology, but this overlooks a simple truth: The entire U.S. workforce already navigates sophisticated technology in their daily lives.—
Alex Saric,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, Walter resisted and quickly dove into the pond.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA TODAY,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Recognizing key signs of the illness is especially pertinent right now: A measles outbreak spanning neighboring counties in Texas and New Mexico has sickened more than 120 people as of the time this story was published (up from around 20 cases earlier this month) and killed one child.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
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Listen to this article Newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared to dismiss a rare measles outbreak that has killed a child in Texas and sickened more than 120 people.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For decades, the organization vigorously opposed sports gambling.—
Made by History,
TIME,
20 Mar. 2025
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California voters opposed similar school voucher plans in 1993 and 2000, with both initiatives receiving about 30 percent support.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Before installing, choose a tile that is waterproof and durable enough to withstand walking.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Mar. 2025
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Now, 25 years later, Zenger Folkman conducted a study to determine whether its initial conclusions about leadership styles have withstood the test of time and remain valid today.—
Joseph Folkman,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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