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

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
Additionally, the cosmic view reveals a dark patch that is the Coalsack nebula. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 May 2026 What to Know About Adhesive Patches and Removers If your CGM struggles to last in humid weather or during exercise, an over-patch can buy days of wear. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Verb
Legacy systems were patched instead of rebuilt. Bill Oldham, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 One hole on a roof from a single hailstone can be patched, but many large stones hitting that roof usually means an expensive roof replacement, Allen said. Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • Inadequate iron causes young leaves to appear yellow with green veins, while magnesium deficiency causes blotches or spots on older leaves.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
  • But skimping on the self-tanner can actually result in blotches and stripes.
    Deanna Pai, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • But such interludes add up to small specks of stormclouds in the show’s otherwise sunny skies.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 2 June 2026
  • Most astronomers now agree that each of these minuscule crimson specks—which bear a striking resemblance to enormous, faraway stars—actually has a burgeoning black hole at its center.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Bessent’s team will assess conditions in Gulf countries and request estimates of the cost of repairing damage inflicted by Iran since the start of the conflict.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • But no one who saw it on Saturday held much hope that it could be repaired.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 4 June 2026
  • To change the default browser on Google Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner, then Settings.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • In Cawker City, population 465, the twine ball is a symbol of community—a collective commitment to the bit.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • A little bit of the all-or-nothing from him.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • CDs come with interest rates around 4% or higher now, approximately, and those rates are fixed and will hold until the account matures.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • An injunction is a preliminary order in a litigation where the judge finds the plaintiff is likely to prevail on the merits and would suffer irreparable injury (meaning an injury money can’t fix) without an injunction.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • From the train windows, expect to spot the aquamarine waves of Ligurian Sea crashing against the stony coast, candy-colored houses huddled together on the hillsides, tiny wooden boats gliding through village harbors, and flecks of golden-sand beaches.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2026
  • The light had a wintry grain, with flecks of color suspended in it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Seasonal allergies are primarily caused by trees and grasses, whose tiny pollen particles travel on the wind.
    Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 10 June 2026
  • Tiny silica beads about 10 microns in diameter are projected at the polymer at about 750 meters per second (over 1,600 miles per hour) with the amount of energy absorbed measured by calculating the change in particle velocity before and after the beads pass through.
    Shirl Leigh June 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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