patch up

phrasal 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.
Trevor Sullivan keeps 10 saltwater crocodiles in his back yard, behind patched up chain link fencing. Holly Williams, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026 Lakers fans might not get the chance to see James and his patch up close on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Over the course of the first nine episodes made available for review, the doctors do their best to patch up the gaps in people’s lives where a social safety net should be. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026 This may be because there is no easy way to patch up this problem. Subir Sarkar, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch up

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Cite this Entry

“Patch up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patch%20up. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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