patch 1 of 2

Definition of patchnext

patch

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb patch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patch are mend, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When can mend be used instead of patch?

While the synonyms mend and patch are close in meaning, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use rebuild instead of patch?

The words rebuild and patch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would repair be a good substitute for patch?

The meanings of repair and patch largely overlap; however, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

How does the verb patch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patch are mend, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When can mend be used instead of patch?

While the synonyms mend and patch are close in meaning, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use rebuild instead of patch?

The words rebuild and patch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would repair be a good substitute for patch?

The meanings of repair and patch largely overlap; however, 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 patch
Noun
One of the largest jumps came in patches. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Overwatering can leave grass with weak roots and vulnerable to diseases, so stick to a schedule and spot-treat patches if needed. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Maintenance workers frequently plug and patch leaky spots on the roof. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 That means that alert attackers had a two-day headstart to exploit before most OpenClaw users would have known to patch. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • This was a black one with blotches faintly outlined in pale yellow, a beautiful but deadly looking animal.
    Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The eggs vary in color—from white to blue to brown—with speckles, blotches, and other markings and are also distinctive in shape.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Silvery or mottled patches on leaves, brown or distorted petal edges, dark specks (feces) or flower buds that fail to open are signs of thrips.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Within it, there's not a speck of greenery in sight.
    Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • It's formulated with the label's game-changing Alpha Keratin 60KU, which nourishes the scalp, repairs damage, and reinforces hair strength.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The project will improve safety and repair roads and bridges.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The notation was curiously quaint, dots and curly tails swimming along like so many tadpoles.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • And, in order to keep the gas flowing and the data center dots connected, more and more pipe must plow into the ground.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For Rory McIlroy, the trek toward getting a second Masters championship got a little bit harder.
    Rod Beard, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
  • For whatever sprinkling of sociopathy that Quinn might have, seeing her dead best friend’s daughter, who looks just like her best friend, standing in front of her cracks through a little bit.
    Max Gao, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If something feels unclear, stop and fix it before continuing.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Both the city’s Law Department and the law firms making substantial sums from these cases need to fix what clearly is a major deficit of city controls and due care and attention on the billable hours being submitted for this work.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Its design, crafted by Russell Sage Studio, is meant to be an on-the-nose reflection of the distillery's famed product, with bronzy walls the color of its single malt, and a ceiling painted to look like barley, reflecting the morning dew with flecks of gold throughout.
    Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Berber carpet Berber is a type of loop pile carpet with flecks of color.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Just as particles can combine or split apart into other particles, Bar-Natan and van der Veen envisioned their two types of cars sometimes coming together to form a third type of vehicle — as if one were being towed by the other.
    Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The plants serve as a physical barrier against dirty air, absorbing chemicals into their cells and collecting particles with their leaves, according to the researchers.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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