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

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
Research generally shows that transdermal estrogen — delivered through a patch — is less likely to cause blood clots than oral estrogen. Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 In the video, McRae, 23, holds up the makeup remover wipes, then the brand’s Hydro Boost Water Gel, followed by its new under-eye patches. Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Characters must be coherent; plots must be tight and any gaps in the plot must be patched. Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026 Willis said the property's response has been to patch and paint over the affected areas, but the mold keeps coming back. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
  • Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • For millions of people with geographic atrophy, the speck in their vision is far more literal and can eventually lead to blindness.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Pay close attention to where leaves meet the stem, the underside of leaves, and within the petals for any movement or tiny specks.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Olive oil may help with psoriasis and dandruff, while grapeseed oil can help repair hair that’s been damaged by chemicals.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The mechanic would often help repair the show’s signature vehicle, an orange 1969 Dodge Charger known as General Lee.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Purple dots represent bicycle crashes, while black dots represent the 158 people who were killed while walking or bicycling in Sacramento County over the past five years.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The population of Quincy, a red dot in deep blue Washington, has grown as agriculture and food processing expanded.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Demo time Early next year, Halliburton will drill the first test well—using an extra-large drill bit—to delve thousands of feet underground vertically and horizontally.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Berkshire still came out a little bit ahead, however, as the stock is now trading just under $184.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Mosser has not come to the negotiating table just yet, but Richardson says his office is determined to fix a wrong.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • By identifying exactly what the frustration concerns before reacting, leaders are more likely to channel emotion toward fixing broken systems instead of attacking individuals.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One image of her right knee showed flecks of blue plastic that prosecutors said came from an inflatable pool Burke used to collect blood while dismembering her body.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
  • Someone unfamiliar with salt bread might even suspect a major baking error, seeing a questionably smooth croissant that entirely missed the lamination process, adorned with only a few flecks of salt acting as its saving grace.
    Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Most are no larger than a particle of dust, or grain of sand.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There is also a record that staff there was improperly emitting particles through their smokestack.
    Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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