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Definition of repulsive

repulsive

/rɪˈpʌl.sɪv/
re · pul · sive
Adverb:repulsively
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repulsive Lexical Profile

repulsive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Arousing intense distaste, disgust, or aversion; extremely unpleasant or offensive.

Example

"The neglected kitchen had a repulsive odor that made everyone step back immediately."

2

Relating to or characterized by a physical force that pushes objects or particles away from one another (in physics).

Example

"When two magnets are aligned with like poles facing each other, they exert a strong repulsive force."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for repulsive

• Rhymes for repulsive

• Nearby Words

repulse
repulser
repulsion
repulsive
repulsively
repulsiveness
repurchase

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French répulsif or formed from Late Latin repulsivus, from the past participle stem of Latin repellere ('to drive back or reject'), combining re- ('back') and pellere ('to drive').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Repulsive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/repulsive
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