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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repel
Poland is preparing to repel a Russian invasion, including a plan to train every adult male in the country to be ready for war.
—
Rob Schmitz, NPR, 12 May 2025
Using the same method as with your car, very gently wipe computer, phone, tablet, and TV screens to reduce static electricity and repel future dust.
8.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2025
There are a few factors driving that interest; Greenland occupies a unique geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe, which could help repel any potential attack from Russia, experts have said.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
The lenses are scratch-resistant and treated to repel water, dirt, and oil.
—Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Rob Schmitz, NPR, 12 May 2025
Using the same method as with your car, very gently wipe computer, phone, tablet, and TV screens to reduce static electricity and repel future dust.
8.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2025
There are a few factors driving that interest; Greenland occupies a unique geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe, which could help repel any potential attack from Russia, experts have said.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
The lenses are scratch-resistant and treated to repel water, dirt, and oil.
—Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repel
Verb
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The obvious solution—getting a proper job—is, for Jack, a non-starter: conventional work repulses him.—
Peter C. Baker,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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Image In the novel, Pabst starts off physically repulsed by the mere idea of working for the Reich, but gradually comes around.—
David Segal,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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He isn’t disgusted by sexuality, just innocent and uninterested.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
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In the book, Cruise and Bateman share an apartment building, a fact that Bateman appears at times both delighted and disgusted by.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Keep your elbows gently anchored and resist the urge to cave to your seatmates’ spread.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2025
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If craving ice cream, resist the urge to judge yourself before, during, or after eating it, Shabazz says.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Fresh & Ready Foods is voluntarily recalling numerous products, after at least 10 people in the U.S. have been sickened in a listeria outbreak linked to its ready-to-eat food products, federal officials said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 May 2025
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Climate change could fuel the spread of a fungus that can sicken and even kill people, as well as threaten crops, according to a study posted on the preprint server Research Square.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
6 May 2025
Verb
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The legislation, Senate Bill 8, passed on a largely party-line vote of 87 to 59, with 13 Democrats opposed and one Republican, Rep. Tom Delnicki of South Windsor, in favor.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
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During his campaign, Trump opposed US Steel being purchased by a foreign entity.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Enhancing community and regional resilience Regional resilience describes a region’s ability to withstand and adapt to challenges such as economic shocks and natural disasters.—
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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Many fans withstood the inclement conditions to watch together in Central Park.—
David Waldstein,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repel. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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