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
Synonyms
Adjective
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
Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024
An article posted on the Whole Dog Journal website recommended using non-toxic bee and insect repellent to reduce the amount of bugs flying around that could trigger your dog.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Methods to help prevention dengue infection include using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside, and staying in places with air conditioning, when possible.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repellent 
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show current usage.
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Adjective
This set of 10 mosquito repellent bracelets by Cliganic are perfect for slipping on your wrist and taking with you everywhere.
—Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024
An article posted on the Whole Dog Journal website recommended using non-toxic bee and insect repellent to reduce the amount of bugs flying around that could trigger your dog.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Its super-soft face fabric has kept me cozy on many chilly morning dog walks, and the fact that it’s coated with a non-fluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) is just gravy.
—Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Methods to help prevention dengue infection include using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside, and staying in places with air conditioning, when possible.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repellent
Dictionary Entries Near repellent
Cite this Entry
“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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