repugnant

adjective

re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt How to pronounce repugnant (audio)
1
2
archaic : hostile
3
: exciting distaste or aversion
repugnant language
a morally repugnant practice
repugnantly adverb

Examples of repugnant in a Sentence

technically speaking, it may not be a violation, but it is certainly repugnant to the spirit of the law
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their answer to having to tolerate difference is whatever means are necessary to stop liberalization, and lamentably, our Bill of Rights and governmental checks on the executive mean that taking a jack hammer to our nation’s foundation is a necessary means to a repugnant end. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025 For many people, the idea that consciousness is a set of tricks is offensive or repugnant. Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 In Washington until recently, Dan Snyder as an NFL owner of repugnant reputation. Greg Cote august 5, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025 The question, whether an act, repugnant to the constitution, can become the law of the land, is a question deeply interesting to the United States; but, happily, not of an intricacy proportioned to its interest. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for repugnant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, opposed, contradictory, incompatible, from Anglo-French, from Latin repugnant-, repugnans, present participle of repugnare to fight against, from re- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repugnant was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repugnant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repugnant. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

repugnant

adjective
re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt How to pronounce repugnant (audio)
1
2
: causing a feeling of dislike or disgust : repulsive
repugnantly adverb

Legal Definition

repugnant

adjective
re·​pug·​nant ri-ˈpəg-nənt How to pronounce repugnant (audio)
: characterized by contradiction and irreconcilability
the arbitrator's decision was not repugnant to the ActM. A. Kelly

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