Synonyms of mend

mend

verb

ˈmend 

1

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again

that shirt will be as good as new when I'm finished mending it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repair
• fix
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• patch
• restore
• renovate
• overhaul
• adjust
• revamp
• recondition
• help
• renew
• doctor
• heal
• modify
• maintain
• improve
• prepare
• refresh
• aid
• refurbish
• condition
• revive
• regenerate
• ready
• cure
• fix up
• rectify
• rejuvenate
• furbish
• right
• revitalize
• better
• freshen
• service
• redress
• ameliorate
• correct
• reform
• enhance
• care (for)
• enrich
• refreshen
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• break
• injure
• harm
• ruin
• damage
• impair
• wreck
• spoil
• flaw
• mar
• deface
• disfigure
• cripple
• vandalize
• blemish
• mutilate
• disable
• maim
• mangle

2

as in to recover

to become healthy and strong again after illness or weakness

she's mending after a particularly nasty bout of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recover
• heal
• improve
• recuperate
• come back
• recoup
• convalesce
• gain
• rally
• revive
• snap back
• pull round
• survive
• come to
• come around
• come round
• recruit
• pull through
• perk (up)
• cheer (up)
• pick up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• come down
• fail
• collapse
• weaken
• deteriorate
• waste (away)
• worsen
• decline
• ail
• sink
• wither
• wilt
• fade
• degenerate
• sicken
• languish
• regress
• relapse

3

as in to heal

to restore to a healthy condition

mended the broken plant so that it was soon thriving again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• heal
• rehabilitate
• fix
• cure
• repair
• treat
• revive
• relieve
• set up
• rehab
• alleviate
• attend (to)
• minister (to)
• renew
• revitalize
• care (for)
• remedy
• fortify
• nurse
• medicate
• rejuvenate
• resuscitate
• physic
• doctor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• wound
• injure
• harm
• damage
• impair
• cripple
• mutilate
• disable
• weaken
• maim
• lacerate
• mangle
• afflict
• ail
• lame
• waste
• sicken
• lay up
• sap
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• enervate

4

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

• compensate
• redeem
• repay
• correct
• make amends for
• amend
• expiate
• atone (for)
• make good for
• rectify
• reimburse
• redress
• propitiate
• recompense
• remunerate

5

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

• improve
• amend
• behave
• better
• shape up
• reform
• straighten (up or out)
• regenerate
• clean up one's act

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regress
• backslide

6

as in to cure

to bring about recovery from

the old adage that only time can mend a broken heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

• heal
• cure
• remedy
• alleviate
• relieve
• soothe
• ease
• allay
• treat
• temper
• lighten
• assuage
• diagnose
• salve
• moderate
• palliate
• nurse
• medicate
• doctor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aggravate
• worsen
• misdiagnose
• overdiagnose
• underdiagnose

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

Recent Examples of mend

The word shares a root, four of its five letters, and almost the entirety of its meaning, with the verb mend. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

There were small tables that needed gluing, and there was always clothing to be mended, and, on this day, a lawn chair whose shredded side pieces were being replaced with unmatching but whimsical bits of material. — Lydia Davis, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026

Vini opted to remain at the Bernabeu, Alvarez only wanted Barca and now has to mend his relationship with Atletico, who will be determined to reach a final that will be played in their Metropolitano stadium next June. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Repair items that can still be used, such as sewing on buttons or mending holes. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026