adj

repugnant

rih-PUHG-nuhnt

Repugnant (adj) means So offensive or distasteful that it causes strong disgust. Example: “The idea of testing cosmetics on animals was repugnant to her.”

adj

So offensive or distasteful that it causes strong disgust.

"The idea of testing cosmetics on animals was repugnant to her."

"He found the politician's remarks utterly repugnant."

In direct conflict with something else.

"The new bylaw was repugnant to the existing constitution."

How to use repugnant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely distasteful or morally offensive.

Easily confused with

pugnacious

Common pairings

find something repugnant morally repugnant repugnant to the senses

Word forms

more repugnant comparative, most repugnant superlative

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The idea of testing cosmetics on animals was _____ to her.

Etymology

From Latin repugnare, "to fight against," from re- ("against") plus pugnare ("to fight") — related to "pugnacious."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “repugnant” mean?

The word “repugnant” means so offensive or distasteful that it causes strong disgust. In plain terms, extremely distasteful or morally offensive.

How do you pronounce “repugnant”?

“Repugnant” is pronounced rih-PUHG-nuhnt (/ɹɪˈpʌɡnənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “repugnant” in a sentence?

Here is “repugnant” used in a sentence: “The idea of testing cosmetics on animals was repugnant to her.”

What part of speech is “repugnant”?

“Repugnant” is an adjective.

Where does the word “repugnant” come from?

The word “repugnant” comes from Latin. From Latin repugnare, "to fight against," from re- ("against") plus pugnare ("to fight") — related to "pugnacious.".

How many meanings does “repugnant” have?

“Repugnant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so offensive or distasteful that it causes strong disgust.