re·pel·lent
ri-ˈpe-lənt 
variants
or less commonly repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
2
: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive
repellently
adverb
variants
or less commonly repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance that repels insects
Examples of repellent in a Sentence
Adjective
The candle has a repellent effect on insects.
your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore
Noun
a can of insect repellent
Coat the exterior with a water repellent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025
And what of the repellent opening shot, which zooms out from the track marks on Amin’s arm to find 5-year-old Alpha using a marker to trace a constellation of sorts across his skin.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 May 2025
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Use repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint, cloves, and cayenne pepper can help deter rodents.
Eliminate food and trash: Keep your car and surrounding area clean to avoid attracting rodents.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repellent
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Adjective
These mosquito repellent bracelets will eliminate the need to cover your skin in smelly bug spray, and this sun hat has a back flap that’ll make sure your head and neck are completely covered throughout your trek.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025
And what of the repellent opening shot, which zooms out from the track marks on Amin’s arm to find 5-year-old Alpha using a marker to trace a constellation of sorts across his skin.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 May 2025
Noun
Odor repellents, usually sprays, contain ingredients that smell like sulfur to rabbits but are undetectable to humans.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Use repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint, cloves, and cayenne pepper can help deter rodents.
Eliminate food and trash: Keep your car and surrounding area clean to avoid attracting rodents.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for repellent
Cite this Entry
“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away
—often used in combination
a water-repellent jacket
2
: causing disgust
repellently
adverb
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)
Medical Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to prevent insect attacks
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