repel

[ri-pel] / rɪˈpɛl /

VERB

push away; repulse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chase away confront drive away drive off fend off hold off rebuff resist ward off withstand

STRONG

buck check cool cut decline dismiss disown dispute duel fight kick oppose parry rebut refuse reject traverse

WEAK

beat back beat off brush off cast aside drive back force back force off give cold shoulder to hold back keep at arm's length keep at bay keep off knock down push back put down put to flight stand up against stave off turn down

Antonyms

STRONG

accept agree aid allow approve assist help increase sanction support

WEAK

attract draw

VERB

induce aversion

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disgust offend repulse sicken turn off

STRONG

revolt

WEAK

give a pain in neck make sick put off reluct turn one's stomach

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appeal enchant please

WEAK

attract draw

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“So 6,475 strike behaves like kryptonite for the market; it can repel price from above and below,” Kizemchuck said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency earlier reported "fierce clashes... towards the outskirts of the town of Nabi Sheet to repel Israeli forces that carried out a landing by helicopters" in the area.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Software “moats”—the structural advantages that repel competition—come more from reputation and community support.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

This textured surface becomes superhydrophobic, allowing it to strongly repel water and remain dry.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

Like the gardener, a leader must take responsibility for what he cultivates; he must mind his work, try to repel enemies, preserve what can be preserved, and eliminate what cannot succeed.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

repel

Example Sentences

Related Words