repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
Synonyms of repetition
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
b
: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: mention, recital
repetitional
ˌre-pə-ˈti-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce repetition (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of repetition

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Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition. I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The repetition should feel especially galling since the team already earned its promotion last week, making the climax of this week’s match just getting butts in seats. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 But they were never intended to be seen as straightforward copies of one another; the repetition is never exact. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Robot built for repetition Concrete drilling is hardly the most glamorous part of building a data center. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 So too is the poet’s journey—a series of declarations, and a repetition of change. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repetition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repetition was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing repetition

Rhymes for repetition

See All Rhymes for repetition

Browse Nearby Words

repetiteur
repetition
repetitional
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Cite this Entry

“Repetition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repetition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

repetition

noun
rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating
b
: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: something repeated

More from Merriam-Webster on repetition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repetition

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