Synonyms of patch

patch 1 of 2

noun

ˈpach 

1

as in blotch

a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part

a black cat with a small patch of white next to her nose

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blotch
• dot
• fleck
• speck
• spot
• stain
• splotch
• smudge
• speckle
• mottle
• pip
• eyespot
• dapple
• smear
• mole
• point
• splash
• freckle
• blob
• birthmark
• mark
• blot
• spatter
• polka dot
• smutch

2

as in speck

a very small piece

a patch of land hardly big enough for a garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

• speck
• bit
• fleck
• particle
• snippet
• grain
• scrap
• molecule
• shred
• crumb
• sliver
• granule
• mouthful
• atom
• lick
• mote
• fragment
• drop
• snip
• dribble
• nugget
• bite
• morsel
• portion
• section
• tittle
• trace
• flyspeck
• nubbin
• whisper
• dash
• scruple
• fraction
• pinch
• spot
• whit
• shard
• touch
• part
• nibble
• streak
• clipping
• dab
• taste
• ounce
• ace
• flake
• chip
• mite
• splinter
• nutshell
• halfpenny
• suspicion
• strain
• jot
• iota
• modicum
• smidgen
• minim
• tidbit
• shaving
• kenning
• smatter
• ha'penny
• paring
• driblet
• shiver
• haet
• smithereens

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slab
• chunk
• lump
• quantity
• volume
• mountain
• stack
• pile
• deal
• pot
• mass
• bucket
• hunk
• loads
• raft
• barrel
• gob
• abundance
• bushel
• wealth
• profusion
• heaps
• wad
• peck
• scads

patch

2 of 2

verb

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again

patch the tire and it'll be as good as new

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repair
• fix
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• overhaul
• restore
• renovate
• revamp
• adjust
• modify
• doctor
• mend
• recondition
• refresh
• condition
• renew
• maintain
• fix up
• prepare
• help
• improve
• aid
• regenerate
• refurbish
• cure
• heal
• ready
• service
• right
• revive
• furbish
• correct
• redress
• rectify
• care (for)
• revitalize
• better
• freshen
• reform
• ameliorate
• rejuvenate
• enhance
• refreshen
• enrich
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flaw
• break
• hurt
• damage
• ruin
• harm
• injure
• wreck
• impair
• spoil
• mar
• deface
• blemish
• disfigure
• disable
• mutilate
• vandalize
• cripple
• mangle
• maim

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

Recent Examples of patch

Noun

James, who scored 22 points in the Lakers’ 124-112 loss to the Sacramento Kings, will wear the patch for the remainder of the season. —Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

So your first indication of problems can be a client who nitpicks every job, forcing you to return to re-trim the 2-inch patch of sod that the client claims wasn’t properly manicured. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

Verb

Venezuela had been known to possess some crude — 15th-century Spanish explorers noticed indigenous people using oil for fires and asphalt to patch their canoes. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

But Wang warned that some businesses are simply patching AI features for marketing appeal, from air conditioners to mirrors that check sunscreen application. —Elaine Yu, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing patch

• patch (together)