MEND Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mend

verb

ˈmend

Definition of mend next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in to heal

to restore to a healthy condition mended the broken plant so that it was soon thriving again

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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

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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

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as in to cure

to bring about recovery from the old adage that only time can mend a broken heart

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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 After settling in Minnesota, Chin worked as a seamstress, mending clothing and making wedding dresses. —

Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026 In a striking parallel a la bringing things back together again, the Duke of Sussex makes a surprise cameo in the film as father and son work to mend their fractured relationship. —

Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 Nearly a century later, in 1977, Jimmy Carter helped mend the divisions plaguing the United States in the aftermath of the Vietnam War by pardoning those who had dodged the draft. —

Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 But eventually the fences were mended, partly because Fedorov expressed some regret at deciding to leave. —

Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend

Verb

Steel Wool and Other Abrasive Scrubbers To prevent scratch marks that can be difficult to repair, Scott advises against using steel, wool, and other abrasive scrubbers on wood flooring.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Earlier this week, the Kings announced that LaVine (finger), Domantas Sabonis (knee) and De’Andre Hunter (knee) had undergone season-ending surgery to repair their respective injuries.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026