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

Avoid mowing wet grass, as the moist clumps can clog your motor and leave behind uneven patches on your lawn. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 June 2026

Both Leonas and Miller suggest that those with sensitive skin or people who have specific allergies are likely the most impacted by new clothing’s loose dyes and chemicals, as the garments’ contact with skin may cause rashes; dry, itchy patches; and other types of uncomfortable reactions. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

Verb

Public debt is projected to rise to 120% of GDP by 2036, leaving less and less fiscal room to patch Social Security. —John W. Diamond, The Conversation, 9 June 2026

Intel Macs running macOS 26 Tahoe can expect security and Safari patches for about two more years after the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate. —Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026

Phrases Containing patch

• patch (together)