Repulsive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ri-ˈpəl-siv/ re·pul·sive

Meaning & Definition of Repulsive

Repulsive (adjective)

  1. serving or able to repulse
  2. tending to repel or reject, cold, forbidding
  3. arousing aversion or disgust

Repulsive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

    "a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust"

    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, repellent, repugnant, 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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Repulsive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Repulsive:

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, repellent, repugnant, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Repulsive

Words with the opposite meaning of Repulsive:

innocuous, inoffensive

Related Words for Repulsive

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 Repulsive

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 Repulsive

Derived words: repulsively (adverb), repulsiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Repulsive

Middle English repulsyve (in medicine) dissipating collected humors, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French repulsif repelling, dissipating humors, borrowed from Medieval Latin repulsīvus, from Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere to push away, drive back, fend off + -īvus -ive repel

First known use: 1594

Frequently Asked Questions about Repulsive

What does "Repulsive" mean?

"Repulsive" means serving or able to repulse. As an adjective, it is defined as: serving or able to repulse.

What is another word for "Repulsive"?

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

What are different ways to say "Repulsive"?

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

What is the opposite of "Repulsive"?

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

How do you use "Repulsive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Repulsive" in a sentence: "a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust".

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

"Repulsive" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Repulsive"?

"Repulsive" is pronounced /ri-ˈpəl-siv/ and divided into syllables as re·pul·sive.

What is the origin of the word "Repulsive"?

"Repulsive" comes from Middle English repulsyve (in medicine) dissipating collected humors, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French repulsif repelling, dissipating humors, borrowed from Medieval Latin repulsīvus, from Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere to push away, drive back, fend off + -īvus -ive repel. First known use: 1594.