repair 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repair

2 of 2

verb

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

Example 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
According to court documents seen by Fox News, he was first hired by Nancy Cano to conduct home repairs and later took up residence in the property's guest house. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 Their environmentally conscious ethos further extends to a repair program offering replacement parts—from slipcovers to armrests—and buyback programs so that pieces can evolve with you rather than end up languishing on the curb. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
Since then, relations have repaired somewhat, but tensions remain. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 The Titanic’s owner, the White Star Line, chartered the Mackay-Bennett, a steamer normally used for repairing trans-Atlantic telegraph cables, to retrieve as many bodies as possible. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repair
Noun
  • As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The huge wealth gap fueled resentment and demands for better conditions.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration has demanded Columbia make widespread changes to its disciplinary policies and admissions before the funding is restored.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Today's announcement is a welcome step toward restoring a common-sense safety standard.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The city inspectors give landlords timelines to fix problems and can issue re-inspections, fines, penalties or even loss of rental permits.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But most of what’s wrong with Recall is harder to fix Microsoft has actually addressed many of the specific, substantive Recall complaints raised by security researchers and our own reporting.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With traditional systems emphasizing reactive care, the need for a proactive approach to health has never been more urgent.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The health of your culture is the leading indicator of your future success.
    Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication revives the signature bi-retrograde display and adds a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater for a full-on high-watchmaking spectacle. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Emergency crews were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at a hospital, officials said.
    Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lucas County officials have announced plans to form a task force to examine and rebuild trust in local child welfare systems.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Seeking to rebuild investor confidence and boost near-term shareholder returns, BP in February pledged to slash renewable spending and ramp up annual expenditure on its core business of oil and gas.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gutekunst overhauled this position last offseason and the Packers should be in good shape for the foreseeable future.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs shape and reinforce what’s affordable, what’s available, and, ultimately, whose cultures get priced out of reach.
    Karen Yuan, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While Samsung is expected to refresh its foldables later this year, Motorola arguably holds the performance crown for now.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In 2022, the hotel reopened after a massive renovation, refreshing the 179 rooms and suites (but thankfully leaving the Mayfair’s eponymous garden untouched).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repair. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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