Skip to main content
water-repellent

water-repellent

1 3.6
Does not let water soak in easily
  • adjective
  • /ˈwɔːtər rɪˈpɛlənt/
translation icon : impermeable
  • Silikroil leaves behind a water-repellent coating to prevent corrosion and protect against rust.
  • water-repellent coating
  • water-repellent fabric
  • water-repellent spray

Examples

  • Treat suede and leather with water repellent spray:

    Blog text (20)
  • Also, when considering laminate for use in a bathroom or kitchen area, it would be great to look for paraffined waxed joints because the flooring is even water-repellent.

    Blog text (15)
  • Before you wear your new pair of shoes, be sure to apply a coat or two of water repellent spray.

    Blog text (20)
  • Soft-shell is a term used to refer to water-repellent clothes.

    Blog text (31)
  • If it's gone, you know that most of that waxy water repellent coating is gone off the straw.

  • This shell is bonded to a waterproof/breathable membrane and has an advanced water-repellent finish that causes water to bead up and roll off.

    Blog text (21)
  • Avoid popular so-called "warm-up suits" of any kind, particularly those made of synthetic and water-repellent fabrics that hold in heat and moisture.

    Blog text (4)
  • Water-repellent fur along the fleece coat is unquestionably the cardigan to own in wintry weather.

    Blog text (3)
  • The taffeta shell has a durable water-repellent finish that provides an effective barrier to the elements.

  • The spikeless shoe has a water-repellent upper and can be worn on or off the course.

Synonyms

impervious
vswater-repellent
28 7.5

Not letting water pass through and not changed by words

focuses on resisting water only, not the broader impermeability or unaffected sense
watertight
vswater-repellent
7 2.6

Completely closed so water cannot get in or out

is less absolute and allows some resistance rather than full impermeability
water-resistant
vswater-repellent
5 3.4

Keeps some water out without being fully waterproof

is similar but stresses resistance rather than complete impermeability
hydrophobic
vswater-repellent
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Not absorbing water so it stays dry

is more about surface resistance to water rather than molecular nonmixing
repellent
vswater-repellent
1 4.4

Not letting water or other liquids soak in

is specific to resisting water rather than many different substances
rainproof
vswater-repellent
1 2.7

Keeping rain out so things stay dry

is about resisting water generally, not only protection from rain
waterproofed
vswater-repellent
3.3

Treated so clothes or shoes do not let water in

is a general property of resisting water, not necessarily after treatment

Antonyms

10 3.4

Able to soak up liquid easily

How Water-Repellent

waterproof
35 1.6
water-repellent
1 3.6

Surface Forms

water-repellent positive
water-repellenter comparative
water-repellentest superlative

Morphology

water-repellent = water + repellent (transparent) = water + repellent

A direct compound of 'water' + 'repellent' meaning ‘repelling or resisting water’, which a learner can derive from the parts.

Etymology

Water-repellent joins water and repel, and repel means 'to push away'. A helpful image is 'insect repellent' that pushes bugs away. In the same way, a water-repellent jacket 'pushes water away' so it does not let water soak in.