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
From the week Vandell opened in early December, crowds have gathered outside its forest-green door and down its patch of Los Feliz sidewalk, waiting to join the civilized chaos inside. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The regulator said although availability of certain products or brands may vary by pharmacy or location, estradiol transdermal patches remain available. Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
After all, no one will trust a V2X network to do anything if that network’s cyber vulnerabilities haven’t been anticipated and patched in advance. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026 Some roofs were patched temporarily until a better fix can be made. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark facial bands and gray or tan body patterned with black or brown blotches.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pulse a few times, until crumbs range in size from specks to peas.
    Leah Eskin, Midwest Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The team announced after Monday’s practice that Tyler Smith, its best offensive lineman and arguably the top offensive guard in the game, will be out four to six weeks after needing left thumb surgery to repair damaged ligaments.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The company employs about 850 people, does hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure work around the Northeast, and is frequently Connecticut’s choice on big-ticket contracts to construct schools, rebuild highways or repair bridges.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Demario Davis will be the Jets’ green-dot linebacker, receiving the defensive calls from Glenn.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Most of this has already been reported (including here on The Athletic), but Torre and crew do a great job of laying it out, from beginning to end, and connecting all the dots in between.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The 3-1 margin of victory could have been wider had City not at times missed that final bit of polish at Joie Stadium.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Prince and Princess of Wales have been largely out of the spotlight recently, spending the remaining bits of the summer with their three children before school begins for each.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • New York Yankees fans spent the last three months convincing themselves that Aaron Judge riding in like the White Knight was going to fix every single problem in the Bronx.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • North Carolina Bobby Petrino has fixed all the offensive ills.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The soup itself has an almost lemon curd-like acidity and sweetness, and it’s laced with flecks of fresh corn and tiny diced pieces of zucchini.
    Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Amid his vast responsibilities running all the departments in the Giants’ front office, Zaidi still found the time to pore over MLB Draft League statistics and look for flecks of gold.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Unfortunately, a particle returning from a ballistic flight is moving fast while its stationary twin is not.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The main filter comes with a fine-mesh inner basket for capturing particles such as sand, pollen, and other grit.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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