"Repugnant" is an adjective that means causing a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. An object that is repugnant is something that is revolting and evokes feelings of dislike and disgust. In a figurative sense, it describes something extremely unpleasant, offensive, or contradictory to one's moral or ethical values.

For instance, a smelly garbage bin can be repugnant because of its foul and strong smell. People will feel disgusted smelling it and will try to avoid staying near it.

When used figuratively, "repugnant" can be used to describe human behavior as well. If you see an older man display rude behavior to people around him, you may find his actions repugnant, which means you find his behavior unpleasant and potentially contradictory to your own morals and values.

Example sentences

  1. His behavior towards his employees was utterly repugnant, leading to numerous complaints.
  2. The violence depicted in the movie was so repugnant that some viewers walked out of the theater.
  3. Her racist comments were not only offensive but also repugnant to the principles of equality.
  4. The dictator's oppressive regime was widely regarded as repugnant by the international community.
  5. The taste of the spoiled food was so repugnant that it made me nauseous.
  6. The thought of harming innocent animals for sport is repugnant to many people.
  7. His complete disregard for basic human rights was nothing short of repugnant.
  8. The use of child labor in factories during the 19th century is now seen as repugnant.
  9. The idea of discrimination based on gender or race is repugnant to the principles of equality and justice.
  10. The politician's comments about certain minority groups were widely condemned as repugnant and divisive.

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.

Free Grammar Checker
Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage errors with Engram’s free online grammar checker using AI

Reference:

Repugnant Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
REPUGNANT meaning: causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust repulsive often + to
repugnant
1. If behaviour or beliefs, etc. are repugnant, they are very unpleasant…
Definition of REPUGNANT
incompatible, inconsistent; hostile; exciting distaste or aversion… See the full definition