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
More high-quality footage that captures the orca’s dorsal fins and signature eye patches can help identify individuals. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 For instance, in July, Microsoft released a record number of 570 security patches for Windows, Office and other products, almost triple the prior month’s total. Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
The risk still explodes when proper people and processes aren't in place to properly triage and patch real vulnerabilities that can affect your organization. Rj Friedman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Now Burwell has emerged as the spine-tingling Angelo Badalamenti to Barker’s David Lynch, or maybe a synth-patching Bernard Herrmann to Barker’s Alfred Hitchcock. Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
  • Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Tucked into the foothills above Point Dome, the property is listed for a speck under $5 million.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • Rather than waiting several years to look at the object through the VLT once more, Sutlieff, Bonse and their colleagues dove into older, archival imagery of the star system, looking for signs of their speck.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Our Mission Robotic Vehicle is opening the door to a future where repairing, upgrading and building in space is part of the routine, not the exception.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • The Mecklenburg Public Health Department also recommends installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.
    Eva Flowe July 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Pair them with everything from a simple tank to a sporty jersey, or take a cue from this guest, who leans into a playful mood with a matching polka-dot set and flip-flops.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Whether heading to a sporting match, packing for vacation, or dressing for a summer night out, consider these outfit formulas your blueprint to styling polka-dot dresses right now.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Thekla put willow in the rings of Saturn but Willow bit the fingers of Thekla.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In any case, the state and federal governments should lower the bar, at least a little bit, for any neighborhood to qualify for protection from sound pollution.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • The tech giant was racing to fix weaknesses in its code that a new AI model known as Mythos was uncovering at an unprecedented clip.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 29 July 2026
  • The OpenAI agents exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Artifactory, which OpenAI has since disclosed to JFrog, and which the company confirmed has since been fixed.
    Emily Forlini, Fortune, 29 July 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
  • Giant fans at the air bases would blow the pale particles around, Jack said, putting him directly in the path of the chemical.
    Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • These particles act as seeds on which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets.
    Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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