mend

Definition of mendnext
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as in to compensate
to make up for (an offense) the proverb "least said, soonest mended" should be heeded by anyone tempted to angrily blurt out things they really don't mean

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to improve
to change one's behavior or character for the better everyone's written her off as a liar and a thief, but I say it's never too late to mend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mend are patch, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is patch a more appropriate choice than mend?

Although the words patch and mend have much in common, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

Where would rebuild be a reasonable alternative to mend?

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

a rebuilt automobile engine

When can repair be used instead of mend?

The words repair and mend can be used in similar contexts, but 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 mend Later, during a second visit, Miles and Seth seemed to patch things up — or to at least be on the right track to mend their relationship. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 When his latest mishap goes viral, fame turns his life upside down as first love asks him whether his luck is truly starting to mend. John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026 With no fences mended, Tommy then headed for Chicago, marking the launch of Force in 2022. Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026 This New Moon is perfect for mending such inner tears, with its Capricorn durability steeling your 12th House of Finishes. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend
Verb
  • Workers also will repair the USS Kansas City, one of the 16 high-speed littoral combat ships that are homeported in San Diego.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The couple began repairing and renovating the house after Irene, but before that work was done, Superstorm Sandy struck the next year, destroying brand new windows and other furnishings inside.
    Maleena Muzio, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Jaylen Petty fumbled the outlet pass after the steal, and UCF (17-4, 6-3 Big 12) recovered to set up Fulks' jumper to go up by two possessions.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
  • So getting these last couple of days off just to recover and get back to full strength, that was huge for me.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There is something healing about what’s coming in for you right now—maybe in a literal, physical sense.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Let America start to heal from Miller’s metastatic influence, and deport him from the White House for good.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Extraction intensifies to compensate.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The judge concluded program participants could not be Salvation Army employees because there was no express or implied agreement they would be compensated.
    Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kiki Rice had 17 points and seven assists and Lauren Betts scored 16 points as the Bruins (21-1, 11-0 Big Ten) remained the only undefeated team in conference play while improving to 10-0 at home.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Next, the researchers aim to improve their technique further, with the goal of predicting not only when solar activity will intensify, but also where on the sun’s surface active regions are likely to form.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • One was Robert Willner, who had lost his medical license in Florida for claiming to have cured an AIDS patient by administering ozone.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Acrylics don't need curing under a lamp and harden within a few minutes.
    Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Culp's promise to fix the bill in the Senate was enough to squeeze the bill through.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Best to add to the budget some hundreds of millions of dollars to fix mistakes.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Simon is trying to blend in while suppressing his secret power to bend and manipulate ionic energy while Trevor's true purpose for acting in Wonder Man isn't just about rehabilitating his image.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Starting Wednesday, aquarium visitors will be able to see Porkchop — and other sea turtles — be rehabilitated with the opening of a new area that includes a roughly 4,000-gallon pool.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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