repose

1 of 3

noun

Synonyms of reposenext
1
a
: a state of resting after exertion or strain
especially : rest in sleep
b
: eternal or heavenly rest
pray for the repose of a soul
2
a
: a place of rest
b
: peace, tranquility
the repose of the bayous
c
: a harmony in the arrangement of parts and colors that is restful to the eye
3
a
: lack of activity : quiescence
b
: cessation or absence of activity, movement, or animation
the face in repose is grave and thoughtful
4
: composure of manner : poise

repose

2 of 3

verb (1)

re·​pose ri-ˈpōz How to pronounce repose (audio)
reposed; reposing

transitive verb

: to lay at rest

intransitive verb

1
a
: to lie at rest
b
: to lie dead
reposing in state
c
: to remain still or concealed
2
: to take a rest
3
: to rest for support : lie
4
archaic : rely

repose

3 of 3

verb (2)

re·​pose
reposed; reposing

transitive verb

1
a
: to place (confidence, trust, etc.) in someone or something
b
: to place for control, management, or use
2
archaic : to put away or set down : deposit

Synonyms

Noun

Verb (1)

Verb (2)

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of repose in a Sentence

Noun typically the wealthy socialite spends most of the morning in repose, is served lunch, and then embarks on an exhaustive afternoon of shopping enjoyed the repose of a serene summer evening a little-explored region beneath which vast mineral reserves are said to repose reposed in the Caribbean sun, enjoying her break from the world of work Verb (2) the Constitution reposes the power to declare war to Congress, and to that body alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As a player himself, Lund brings an intimate understanding of how the game feels on the ground, which is essentially a constant push-pull between sudden bursts of action and sustained periods of repose. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 20 May 2024 Alma seeks to bury her unpublished stories in a graveyard of her own making, in order to find peace in their repose — and meaning from the vulnerability that comes from unheard stories. —Marcela Davison Avilés, NPR, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for repose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French reposer, from Late Latin repausare, from Latin re- + Late Latin pausare to stop, from Latin pausa pause

Verb (2)

Middle English, to replace, from Latin reponere (perfect indicative reposui)

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Phrases Containing repose

Dictionary Entries Near repose

reposal

repose

reposeful

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Repose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repose. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

repose

1 of 3 verb
re·​pose ri-ˈpōz How to pronounce repose (audio)
reposed; reposing
1
: to lay at rest
reposed her head on a cushion
2
: to lie at rest
reposing on the couch

repose

2 of 3 noun
1
: a state of resting after effort or strain
especially : rest in sleep
2
: freedom from disturbance or excitement : calm
the repose of the forest
3
: absence or stopping of activity or movement
a face in repose

repose

3 of 3 verb
re·​pose
reposed; reposing
1
: to place (as trust or confidence) in someone or something
2
: to place for control, management, or use
Etymology

Verb

Middle English reposen "to lay at rest," from early French reposer (same meaning), from Latin repausare (same meaning), from earlier re- "back, again" and pausare "to stop," from Latin pausa "a pause" — related to pause

Verb

Middle English reposen "to replace," from Latin reponere "replace"

More from Merriam-Webster on repose

Nglish: Translation of repose for Spanish Speakers

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