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.
But repetition is not the same as reach, and communication is not complete until leaders know whether the message has actually traveled—and whether it has been understood. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 His act made use of racial and ethnic slurs, under the philosophy that taboo words lost their maiming edge with repetition. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Do this across the length of a yoga mat and back for 20 repetitions. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 Activities that involve repetition and rhythm, like weaving or knitting, go even further by reducing activity in the limbic system, which regulates our fight-or-flight response. — Laura Bradley, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of repetition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repetition

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