Repugnant: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is best used in formal or literary settings to describe something that is extremely distasteful or unacceptable.

• The idea of animal cruelty is repugnant to most people.
• His repugnant behavior at the meeting shocked everyone.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something that causes a strong feeling of dislike or nausea.

• The smell coming from the garbage bin was absolutely disgusting.
• He found the taste of the spoiled milk disgusting.

Used to describe actions, words, or behaviors that insult or upset people. It often has a negative connotation.

• His offensive remarks about her appearance made everyone uncomfortable.
• Posting such images on social media is highly offensive.

Informal and strong, often used to describe something that causes a very intense feeling of disgust or revulsion.

• The kitchen was in a revolting state, with dirty dishes piled everywhere.
• The idea of eating insects is revolting to many people.

Suitable for formal writing or speech, it conveys strong disapproval or disgust towards actions or ideas that are morally wrong.

• Racism is abhorrent to the principles of equality and justice.
• The politician's views on immigration were considered abhorrent by many.

Use when something is extremely offensive or disgusts you.

• The idea of eating insects is repugnant to many people
• The smell coming from the garbage was absolutely repugnant

Best used when describing something that is opposite to what was previously mentioned or expected.

• Contrary to popular belief, not all spiders are harmful
• The results were contrary to our predictions

Appropriate for situations where someone or something is actively resisting or disagreeing with another.

• The group was opposed to the new policy changes
• She is strongly opposed to animal testing

Use when talking about two or more things that are in disagreement or do not match each other.

• The witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the accident
• The two signals were conflicting, causing much confusion

Use when two things cannot exist or work together because they are too different.

• Their personalities were so incompatible that they couldn't work together
• Some software programs are incompatible with certain operating systems