1
as in to repulse
to drive back
the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Unlike in 2016, when Iranian ground forces and Russian air support succeeded in repelling rebel forces during the siege of Aleppo, neither patron could launch a rapid counteroffensive this time.
—
Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
The exterior is water-resistant to repel stains, but the entire unit is machine-washable (and hang dry) when needed.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
The stench of death would normally repel sightseers, not attract them.
—Max Butterworth, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Intense light works wonders when repelling the creatures of meth, as do air horns and other sonic blasts.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for repel 
Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
The exterior is water-resistant to repel stains, but the entire unit is machine-washable (and hang dry) when needed.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
The stench of death would normally repel sightseers, not attract them.
—Max Butterworth, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Intense light works wonders when repelling the creatures of meth, as do air horns and other sonic blasts.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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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
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Western publics by and large have managed to stave off compassion fatigue and remain committed to helping Ukraine repulse the Russian invasion.—
Nina Jankowicz,
Foreign Affairs,
4 May 2023
Verb
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People were so curious about it — disgusted, but drawn.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
9 Jan. 2025
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King was disgusted upon seeing the conditions of the building; a baby was wrapped in newspaper for warmth.—
Erik Wallenberg,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Tory Burch, known for its 2000s Reva ballet flat that even Oprah herself couldn’t resist wearing, is experiencing somewhat of a Tory Burch renaissance these past couple years.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
11 Feb. 2025
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Their attorneys fought the charges and resisted the Justice Department's previous efforts to keep the cases moving forward on appeal after Mr. Trump's election win.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Bird flu, also known as H5N1, is a variant of the influenza virus that sickens tens of millions of people every winter.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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The strain has also sickened 67 people and caused one death.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Treasury Department opposes the restraining order.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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And politicians like Bernie Sanders, Ross Perot — and, yes, Donald Trump, then running to get the presidential nomination of the Reform Party — vociferously opposed the bipartisan free trade movement.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Migrants might not be able to swim, or others, particularly women and children, are not strong enough to withstand the force of the currents.—
Marni LaFleur,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
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The ultimate goal is to test whether their relationships can withstand temptation or if they’ll be drawn to new connections.—
Jenzia Burgos,
StyleCaster,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near repel
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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