repeal, repeel

The words repeal, repeel sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do repeal, repeel sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: repeal, repeel are homophones of the English language.

repeal
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To revoke or rescind, especially by an official or formal act.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    Obsolete To summon back or recall, especially from exile.

  3. :: noun

    The act or process of repealing.

repeel
  1. ::

  2. ::

  3. ::

  4. ::

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition, and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").