mend

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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 Time will tell if the Sixers find a worthwhile deal; however, training camp could become awkward if relationships are not mended. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 The reasons for the meeting are unclear, though British media outlets have speculated whether Harry and Charles are working on mending their strained relationship. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Much of the film deals with Michael’s self-acceptance and his attempts to mend his relationships. Scott Malia, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025 The feud between King Charles and Prince Harry was starting to feel like it could be mended, after reports that the two were set to meet in Harry’s latest UK visit. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend
Verb
  • In general, experts said residents can expect to spend one year to repair a home after a disaster.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, the high-quality protein in lean chicken helps to repair tissue and muscle.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities said during an evening briefing that two additional bodies were recovered at the church, adding to an earlier death toll of two.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
  • By the first light of the next morning, search teams and an air ambulance went back to the command post and were able to recover the body of the victim, a 54-year-old man from Tennessee.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But even as the scars on my chest healed, my heart remembered the pain and fear.
    Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Can a grieving mother help others heal?
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The government agreed this year to settle an excessive force lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union by paying compensating several plaintiffs for their injuries.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Compile enough good players who are compensated fairly, and the financial situation eventually becomes untenable.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bhattacharya noted that the United States’ investment in research has vastly improved outcomes for children with cancer.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, the group also says that early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Chatbots that cure cancer might still be a work in progress, but Waymos are already taking over cities.
    Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Did a dessert cure my postpartum loss?
    Aisha Muharrar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Vehicle owners are advised to park the vehicle outside and away from any structures and other vehicles until the recall is fixed.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • So just fixing my diet, drinking a lot of water, stretching, moving every day, doing the right movements.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Blackwell and his team got to work rehabilitating the declining species native to Mexico.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • For the show’s first season, the plan is to rehabilitate the life of two-time heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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