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patch

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb patch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patch are mend, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When can mend be used instead of patch?

While the synonyms mend and patch are close in meaning, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use rebuild instead of patch?

The words rebuild and patch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would repair be a good substitute for patch?

The meanings of repair and patch largely overlap; however, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of patch
Noun
Victoria asked, prompting David to reluctantly remove his hand from his head to reveal a glaring bald patch. Erin Clack, People.com, 21 July 2025 Microsoft issued a patch for one version of the software, but was still working on a patch for two other versions as of Sunday night, according to the Post. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 21 July 2025
Verb
Eastwood doesn’t skimp on the violence, but the film ultimately cares more about what happens after violence ends, and how a country patches itself together after a divisive war, a theme that resonated with mid-’70s America. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 18 July 2025 The once-cordial stars, who never patched things up publicly, announced their departures from the show on the same day in 2013. Char Adams, People.com, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • The loaches are generally brown and yellow, with saddle-like blotches along their backs, according to the study.
    Irene Wright July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • It’s usually identified by its white, fleshy taproot with reddish spots that resemble a parsnip, along with hollow stems marked by small purple blotches, according to the N.C. State Extension.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Serve them with slices of prosciutto or speck, sure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
  • Dishes such as beef stew with speck dumplings or Wienerschnitzel in butter breaded veal cutlet, with roasted potatoes and cranberry jam, are big favorites.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • By early 1922, the bridge was repaired and fully covered, with a walkway added in the 1940s.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The relationship Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has with his teammates isn’t one that will be repaired overnight — or even over an offseason.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Start by connecting the dots between your work and the organization's bigger goals.
    Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will connect the dots between baroque, folk music and jazz.
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • While a headboard may seem like a small design detail in your overall bedroom layout, a little bit of creativity can make a big impact.
    Rebecca Shinners, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
  • The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says while the couple was waist deep in the water with their dog, an alligator bit the hand and wrist of the woman and dragged her under the water.
    Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The reality is, though, that no one player or one roster move is going to fix this stretch.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • This could be fixed with a manual publishing option, but even the ability to create an Under Construction page would be preferable to the current setup.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • In any case, there are sure to be at least a few flecks of moss or lichen, gray or gray-green, on that side.
    Ted Updike, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2025
  • The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Wildfire smoke particles, which are called PM2.5, are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Insects are ever at risk of being caught by it, as are particles, like pollen, traveling through the air.
    Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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