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
Systemic estrogen, which menopausal women may be prescribed, often in a patch, can help with bone loss. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 As the weather cools and pool parties and cookouts are traded for football tailgates and pumpkin patches, why not add a concert to the mix? — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
While BlueMoon leaves plenty of indications that it’s being used and all three vulnerabilities have been patched, Proofpoint said the kit may nonetheless continue to be used. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026 Clearing an inbox or patching a billing glitch, on the other hand, gives you something to cross off right away. — Chris Kille, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 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
  • To make matters worse, the Houthis have captured new terrain in Yemen and acquired Perim Island, a speck of land inside the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint that better positions the Yemeni militia to intercept oil tankers.
    — Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Israel bars entry of almost all construction materials, making even repairs difficult.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Bell had surgery to repair two ligaments, but his goal of becoming a first-round pick in the upcoming draft became unrealistic.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As the green-dot player, Rodriguez receives the defensive play call from Hafley and relays it to teammates.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • By then, his pan-cultural reach could be seen any time a dot pattern appeared as a visual shorthand for Pop art.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With the Moon in your sign squaring Mercury in your career sector, a comment, reaction, or bit of feedback could land harder than expected.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Seeing these guys in person definitely is a little bit cooler than on TV.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yet, in many cases simple mending, either done yourself or at a dry cleaner shop, can fix the problem.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Overcoming technical hurdles in core design Because the reactor layout is never fixed, scientists could not rely on a standard conversion design.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some kits include stone-like chips or flecks to scatter over the surface of the wet paint for a realistic effect.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of flecks of sequins caught the light as Jenner made her way down the red carpet, glittering from every angle.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants that form fine particles and ground-level ozone, increasing risks of heart and lung disease and premature death.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The coated particles are then formed into larger fuel elements.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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