What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repellant
Example
I sprayed some insect repellent on my skin before going camping. [repellent: noun]
Example
The smell of the garbage was so repellant that I had to hold my breath. [repellant: adjective]
Example
The negative reviews were a repellant for potential customers. [repellant: noun]
repellent
Example
The jacket has a repellent coating that keeps me dry in the rain. [repellent: adjective]
Example
The company's policies are repellent to many employees. [repellent: adjective]
Example
The loud music was a repellent to the neighbors, who called the police. [repellent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repellent is more commonly used than repellant in everyday language, especially in British English. However, both words are less common than other synonyms like 'insect spray' or 'waterproof'.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repellant and repellent?
Both repellant and repellent are formal words that are typically used in technical or scientific contexts, such as chemistry, biology, or materials science. However, repellant may also be used in informal contexts to describe something that is unappealing or off-putting.
