repugnant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "repugnant" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something is loathsome, abhorrent, or offensive. Example sentence: The idea of committing such a heinous act was repugnant to him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sensing a PR catastrophe, president Goodluck Jonathan moved to distance himself from the adverts, describing them as "offensive and repugnant," and ordering that they be taken down.

The Guardian

Hodge described the exploitation of charitable status by tax avoiders as "repugnant" but warned that there were "devils in this world" who would continue to exploit well-intentioned government tax-relief measures.

The Guardian

Understanding that truth, repugnant as it is, will have to be a part of any effective programme of counter-terrorism.

The Guardian

Then, possibly because Frank Doubleday's wife found the story repugnant and the text too sexually explicit, the firm turned it down.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Clement, who takes the lectern at the Supreme Court about as regularly as the rest of us brush our teeth, seemed to persuade a majority of the justices that Arizonans' "avowed effort to redelegate [redistricting] authority to an unelected and unaccountable commission is plainly repugnant to the Constitution's vesting of that authority in the legislatures of the states".

The Economist

It cited an earlier ruling that validated that distinction because female homosexual acts "were either less prevalent or perceived to be less repugnant than male homosexual conduct".

The Economist

That logic was wrong as well as morally repugnant.

The Economist

A letter to the Concord Monitor huffed that adultery was "repugnant" and should remain a crime.In this section The return of the stay-at-home mother Love free or die Clipped wings Highways to hell They are risen Prison breakthrough The Jack Kemp revival ReprintsMore than 20 states still have laws against adultery.

The Economist

So although "money in politics may at times seem repugnant to some," it is entitled to "vigorous" protection.

The Economist

He thought the word "mercenary" insulting and torture "repugnant".

The Economist

I regard tax evasion and – indeed – aggressive tax avoidance – as morally repugnant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repugnant" when you want to express a strong feeling of disgust, aversion, or moral outrage. It's more impactful than simply saying something is bad or unpleasant.

Common error

Avoid using "repugnant" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its intensity can sound unnatural or exaggerated in less serious situations. Opt for words like "unpleasant" or "disagreeable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "repugnant" primarily functions to describe something that evokes intense disgust or aversion. It is used to express a strong negative reaction, as evidenced by examples available on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repugnant" is an adjective used to describe something intensely disgusting or arousing aversion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific writing. It is most effective when conveying strong moral disapproval and should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual contexts. Alternatives include "abhorrent", "loathsome", and "detestable", each offering slightly different nuances. The writing guidance provided helps ensure proper usage and prevent common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abhorrent

Emphasizes causing repugnance; morally offensive.

repulsive

Highlights the ability to cause intense distaste or aversion.

loathsome

Highlights the intensity of hatred or disgust.

detestable

Focuses on meriting intense dislike or hatred.

revolting

Stresses the causing of disgust.

offensive

Indicates causing displeasure or resentment.

obnoxious

Highlights disagreeableness and offensiveness.

distasteful

Emphasizes unpleasantness or disagreeableness to one's taste.

nauseating

Focuses on causing a feeling of wanting to vomit.

objectionable

Indicates raising objections or disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "repugnant" in a sentence?

Use "repugnant" to describe something that causes strong disgust or aversion. For instance, "The idea of animal cruelty is "repugnant" to many people".

What can I say instead of "repugnant"?

You can use alternatives like "abhorrent", "loathsome", or "detestable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "repugnant to" or "repugnant for"?

"Repugnant to" is the correct usage when indicating who or what finds something repugnant. For example, "The policy is "repugnant to" many voters."

What's the difference between "repugnant" and "offensive"?

"Repugnant" implies a stronger feeling of disgust or aversion than "offensive". Something offensive might simply cause annoyance, while something "repugnant" evokes strong moral or emotional revulsion.