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
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 repel
Companion plant gardening is a natural and organic technique for repelling pests and growing healthier plants.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
The best plants that repel pests naturally Some plants earn their reputation as pest fighters because their natural oils and scents are simply too strong for bugs to tolerate.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to repel them.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 May 2026
It can also be used to help repel deer, which your roses will appreciate.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
The best plants that repel pests naturally Some plants earn their reputation as pest fighters because their natural oils and scents are simply too strong for bugs to tolerate.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to repel them.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 May 2026
It can also be used to help repel deer, which your roses will appreciate.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
-
Firstman’s debut directorial effort, Club Kid, shrewdly acknowledges those garish personality tics, which have both endeared and repulsed audiences.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
-
Anyone who has worked in or observed the media industry for the last couple of decades will recognize and be repulsed by nepo-baby Jay, who is undeniably villainous.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That’s what really disgusts me.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
-
Jackson and Jones are opposed by other Republicans including Raffensperger and Carr, who are hoping that voters disgusted by the attacks between Jackson and Jones will be looking for other options.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
But the California high school athletics governing body has resisted, sparking outrage from anti-trans groups.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
These allow companies to resist speculative takeover and embed mission and values for the benefit of employees, customers, and/or the broader community.—
Alex Amouyel,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The development comes as global health officials continue monitoring the rare hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius, which has sickened multiple passengers.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
The outbreak has killed three people and sickened 10 since it was first identified aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius during its monthlong voyage in early May.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Extending housing to remote areas requires new roads, water systems, sewers, schools, and fire protection, all of which are costly and often opposed by local governments.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
The wall is opposed by environmental groups, local sheriffs, and a far-right pro-gun YouTuber who is the region’s Republican nominee for Congress.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Europe's insurers are required to hold enough capital to withstand a once-in-200-years event.—
John Berlau,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
-
Once the two halves are equipped and welded together, vacuum pumps will remove the air to create an environment similar to outer space, providing the structural support necessary to withstand external air pressure.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
