mend

verb

\ ˈmend

mended; mending; mends

Definition of mend

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to free from faults or defects: such as

a : to improve in manners or morals : reform was advised to mend his ways

b : to set right : correct mend a corrupt text

c : to put into good shape or working order again : patch up : repair the roads were never mended— Ellen Glasgow

d : to improve or strengthen (something, such as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation —used chiefly in the phrase mend fences spends the weekend mending political fences— E. O. Hauser

e : to restore to health : cure before the bone was fully mended — Current Biography

2 : to make amends or atonement for least said, soonest mended

intransitive verb

1 : to improve morally : reform It's never too late to mend.

2 : to become corrected or improved depression and lack of spirit mended visibly— Arnold Nicholson

3 : to improve in health also : heal his injury mended rather quickly

mend

noun

Definition of mend (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act of mending : repair

2 : a mended place

on the mend

: getting better : improving

Other Words from mend Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about mend

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Choose the Right Synonym for mend

Verb

mend, repair, patch, rebuild 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 repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation. repaired the back steps patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material. patch worn jeans rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing. a rebuilt automobile engine

Verb

mend, patch, repair mean to take something that has been damaged and make it usable again. mend is used for making something that has been broken or damaged once again whole or fit for use. Fishermen were mending their nets. patch is used for mending a hole or tear by using the same or similar material. Patch the hole with concrete. patch may also be used for a hurried, careless job. Just patch the roof for now. repair is used for a skillful mending of a complicated thing. The mechanic repaired our car.

Examples of mend in a Sentence

Verb

The town needs to mend these roads. Fishermen were mending their nets. Her arm mended slowly after surgery. His broken heart never completely mended.

Noun

You can hardly see the mend in the sleeve.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This form of therapy scrambles the way a cancer cell grows, separates, mends itself, and interacts with other cells. — Korin Miller, SELF, "What Are My Options for Ovarian Cancer Treatment?," 13 Dec. 2018 Since the video’s release, City Hall has struggled to mend its fractured relationship with the black community. — Annie Sweeney, chicagotribune.com, "Activist plans meetings for community to prepare for verdict in Laquan McDonald's killing by police," 9 July 2018 Serbia and Kosovo must mend ties to advance toward European Union membership. — Dusan Stojanovic, Fox News, "Serbian president's praise of Milosevic triggers outrage," 10 Sep. 2018 Photo: Arpad Kurucz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Instead, Barack Obama attempted a reset to mend relations with Russia. — Marcus Walker, WSJ, "In Orban’s Hungary, a Glimpse of Europe’s Demise," 9 Aug. 2018 Beijing is eager for the publicity boost that mending ties with the Vatican would bring, even as the Communist Party prosecutes a systematic campaign to bring Catholicism and all other religions more firmly under its control. — Eva Dou, WSJ, "China and Vatican to Sign Landmark Deal Over Bishops," 14 Sep. 2018 Louise is able to mend the dress for her, which sparks the beginning of their dangerously codependent friendship. — Hannah Orenstein, Vox, "How do you choose an outfit for a fictional character? 5 authors explain.," 12 Sep. 2018 Simpson had a falling out with Judge after planning a baby shower for granddaughter Ava a few years back, so the two are trying to mend that friendship. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "The Real Housewives of Orange County," 11 June 2018 Nordmann supervised training and ensured Patterson allowed a bruised heel to mend in March. — David Woods, Indianapolis Star, "Plymouth high jumper Nate Patterson: First, Indiana; next, the world," 14 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The need remains, especially with QB Deshaun Watson on the mend from knee surgery, but Houston might have to get creative given the team's first pick is in Round 3 (68th overall). 2. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, "NFL draft 2018 offensive line rankings: Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey head class," 20 Apr. 2018 While the timing of the handover seems somewhat counter-intuitive -- VW is financially on the mend and has defended its status as the industry No. — Chris Reiter, Bloomberg.com, "VW’s Diess Goes From Lame Duck to Top Dog in Two Years," 11 Apr. 2018 Miller has started the last three games with Gibson on the mend and started four games this month because of a different injury. — Mike Coppinger, latimes.com, "Ducks' John Gibson is expected to return Friday," 26 Feb. 2018 With rockfish populations on the mend, its harvest quotas have been rising. — Hal Bernton, The Seattle Times, "Conservationists, West Coast bottom fishermen embrace ‘grand bargain’," 16 Apr. 2018 Two German Shepherd mix puppies with massive neck injuries are on the mend at the Sacramento SPCA after they were left outside the shelter in late February. — Emily Zentner, sacbee, "Despite traumatic start, German Shepherd puppies are on the mend at Sacramento SPCA | The Sacramento Bee," 9 Mar. 2018 Linda Hunt is on the mend after a car crash on Monday left her hospitalized. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "NCIS: Los Angeles' Linda Hunt Recovering After 'Minor Traffic Accident'," 4 July 2018 Sarah Hyland is on the mend after a recent hospital visit. — Blake Bakkila, Health.com, "This Is What Sarah Hyland Is Doing to Recover After Her Health Scare," 25 June 2018 On the mend After missing the NFL combine skills testing due to a hamstring injury, Jordan Akins was able to participate in every pro day drill except for the 40-yard dash. — Shannon Green, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Mike Hughes opts out of running 40 at UCF Pro Day," 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.