Repellent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ri-ˈpe-lənt/ re·pel·lent

Meaning & Definition of Repellent

Repellent (adjective)

  1. serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination
  2. arousing aversion or disgust, repulsive

Repellent (noun)

  1. something that repels; especially, a substance that repels insects

Repellent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

    "your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore"

    similar: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, rancid, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
    related: exceptionable, objectionable, brackish, disagreeable, dislikable, unpleasant, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful, unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome, execrable, lousy, miserable, atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, heinous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile, off-putting, undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome, barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy, distressing, disturbing, upsetting
    opposite: innocuous, inoffensive
    near: acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed, congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory, sweet, welcome, unexceptionable, unobjectionable, healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome

Related Entry: Water-repellent (adjective)

Water-repellent is a different word from Repellent. The synonyms below are for water-repellent, not for repellent.

  1. as in water-resistant

    similar: water-resistant, rainproof, staunch, watertight, leakproof, waterproof, waterproofed, nonabsorbent, nonporous, weatherproof
    opposite: absorbent, porous, leaky

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Repellent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Repellent:

abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, rancid, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Repellent

Words with the opposite meaning of Repellent:

innocuous, inoffensive

Related Words for Repellent

exceptionable, objectionable, brackish, disagreeable, dislikable, unpleasant, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful, unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome, execrable, lousy, miserable, atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, heinous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish

Near Antonyms of Repellent

acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed, congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory, sweet

Word Forms of Repellent

Derived words: repellently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Repellent

borrowed from Latin repellent-, repellens, present participle of repellere "to push away, drive back, fend off" repel

First known use: 1575

Words & Phrases Containing Repellent

shark repellent, water-repellent

Frequently Asked Questions about Repellent

What does "Repellent" mean?

"Repellent" means serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination.

What is another word for "Repellent"?

Other words for "Repellent" include abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful and evil. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Repellent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Repellent"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Repellent". Common alternatives include abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul and fulsome.

What is the opposite of "Repellent"?

Antonyms of "Repellent" include innocuous and inoffensive. Near antonyms include acceptable, agreeable, alluring and appealing.

How do you use "Repellent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Repellent" in a sentence: "your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore".

Is "Repellent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Repellent" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Repellent"?

"Repellent" is pronounced /ri-ˈpe-lənt/ and divided into syllables as re·pel·lent.

What is the origin of the word "Repellent"?

"Repellent" comes from borrowed from Latin repellent-, repellens, present participle of repellere "to push away, drive back, fend off" repel. First known use: 1575.