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

Between 2002 and 2022, the researchers found, waters near the garbage patch have gotten brighter in both blue and green wavelengths compared with surrounding areas. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Nov. 2026

Far out in the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and California, a wide patch of water has been changing color over the past two decades, becoming significantly bluer and greener. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

For some corners of the software industry, that’s an existential problem that the law cannot easily patch. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026

But assuming the firmware on newer models can be patched in a similar manner, expanding the project’s compatibility should be possible. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing patch

• patch (together)