repeal

verb

re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
repealed; repealing; repeals
Synonyms of repeal

transitive verb

1
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
2
: abandon, renounce
3
obsolete : to summon to return : recall
repeal noun
repealable
ri-ˈpē-lə-bəl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of repeal

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Examples of repeal in a Sentence

the company called the furniture store to repeal the order for six new desks in 1933, Congress passed the 21st Amendment which repealed the Prohibition Amendment of 1919, thus making the sale, distribution, and use of alcohol legal once again
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By contrast, Congress repealed federal restrictions and taxes on brewing beer for personal use in 1978. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 In 2022, Williams helped lead a group of residents to introduce and pass ballot measures that repealed three of El Dorado Hills’ LLADs. — Haley Parsley august 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The same day, the agency moved to repeal the Stripes regulations that protected the publication’s editorial independence. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Hawley introduced legislation last year that would repeal some of the reductions to state Medicaid funding and double the funding and timeline for the Rural Health Transformation Fund. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repeal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repelen, borrowed from Anglo-French repeler, rapeler, reapeler "to call back, bring back, recover, rescind, deter," from re- re- + apeler, appeler to call, summon, call before a court" — more at appeal entry 2

Note: Both the form and meaning of the Anglo-French verb have been influenced to some degree by Latin repellere "to push away, fend off" (see repel).

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repeal was in the 14th century

Rhymes for repeal

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Browse Nearby Words

repayment
repeal
repealable
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Cite this Entry

“Repeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repeal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

repeal

verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpē(ə)l How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to do away with especially by legislative action
repeal a law
repeal noun
repealable
-ˈpē-lə-bəl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

repeal

transitive verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
legislatures repealing statutes in light of a recent Supreme Court decision
repeal noun
Etymology

Anglo-French repeler, from Old French, from re- back + apeler to appeal, call, from Latin appellare to address, entreat, call by name

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