repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
Synonyms of repetition
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
b
: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: mention, recital
repetitional
ˌre-pə-ˈti-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce repetition (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of repetition

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Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition. I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.
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.
Yayoi Kusama, whose obsessive repetitions of dots and nets became a means of expressing infinity, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary art worldwide, died on August 14 of multiple organ failure at a hospital in Tokyo. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Michelle Malkin, a gambling researcher at East Carolina University, emphasized how anticipation and rapid repetition mirror gambling mechanics. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 East Carolina University gambling researcher Michelle Malkin pointed to anticipation, near misses and rapid repetition. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 After Rothko settled on his signature manner, the level of repetition in his work became oppressive. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repetition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repetition was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing repetition

Rhymes for repetition

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Browse Nearby Words

repetiteur
repetition
repetitional
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

repetition

noun
rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating
b
: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: something repeated

More from Merriam-Webster on repetition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repetition

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