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.
One possibly surprising tool to map out shots for the film to ensure the visual representation of this repetition and cycle was Microsoft Excel. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 These do convey a sense of disassociation fitting for a woman like Colette, who seems to leave her body in the midst of her degrading work, but in this case, the repetition does not build or reveal more emotion. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Trust at that age is built through repetition and proximity, through the people and institutions a kid interacts with every day. — Karl Mawhinney, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 With Dru Smith sidelined by a calf strain sustained during training camp, Larsson had wound up taking repetitions at point guard, including during that preseason-opening victory over the Raptors. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 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

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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 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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