patch up

verb

patched up; patching up; patches up
1
: to deal with (a problem, disagreement, etc.) in order to improve or repair a relationship
They finally patched up their differences.
He is going to try to patch things up with his girlfriend.
2
: to give quick and usually temporary medical treatment to (someone or something)
The doctor patched him up, so he's going to be as good as new.
She patched up his wounded arm.

Examples of patch up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The hole in the roof has been patched up, KABC reports. Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, has had at least three significant operations to patch up his wounds, including a visible one in his face, Patrick Kolasinski, the lawyer representing Mendoza Hernandez and his family, said on a virtual media call following the hospital visit. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026 Along with his staff of residents, med students, and nurses, Robby patches up the Steel City’s working poor with an almost Mother Teresan goodheartedness and skill. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 Contrary to the opinions of those who hurl TACO insults at him, the president is aiming to patch up the holes the Supreme Court blew in his industry-wide and country-specific tariffs, which his administration implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). Jake Angelo, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch up

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patch up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patch%20up. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on patch up

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster