as in dilapidated
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Recent Examples of patchy
Briceno warns that loading on the lip tint can lead to product transfer, harsh edges, and a patchy finish.
—
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
There are isolated areas of patchy freezing fog this morning, but otherwise conditions will be partly cloudy, mild and breezy into the afternoon.
—Michael Autovino, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Artificial Lawns Designers say lawns that look overly manicured, patchy, or obviously artificial can quickly make an outdoor space feel off.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 28 Jan. 2026
The early days of measles are usually marked by common symptoms such as fever and cough; to the untrained eye, the virus’s rash can look like many of the reddish, patchy blemishes that many other pathogens cause.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
There are isolated areas of patchy freezing fog this morning, but otherwise conditions will be partly cloudy, mild and breezy into the afternoon.
—Michael Autovino, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Artificial Lawns Designers say lawns that look overly manicured, patchy, or obviously artificial can quickly make an outdoor space feel off.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 28 Jan. 2026
The early days of measles are usually marked by common symptoms such as fever and cough; to the untrained eye, the virus’s rash can look like many of the reddish, patchy blemishes that many other pathogens cause.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patchy
Adjective
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The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.—
Brendan Murray,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Manny Pacquiao’s attempt to extend his boxing career toward an Olympic appearance at 45 ran into age‑limit rules and concerns about the optics and health risks of watching a faded great take more punishment.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
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The latter sees a faded star eyeing a possible comeback and encountering all sorts of ghosts from his past.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In the last minute 30 second of cooking, add in a generous sprinkling of a melty shredded cheese (like Cheddar or Monterey Jack) and hot sauce, to taste.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
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Skip thin plastic mulches and cheap fabrics and use shredded leaves, wood chips, cardboard, or durable, reusable barriers.—
Dr. Avishesh Neupane,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Talking Heads played their first gig in June, 1975, opening for the Ramones at CBGB, a rock club on a mangy block in the East Village.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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That also includes Leonard, a dapper old parrot who lives in the clinic, and Bitchy, a mangy, rangy alley cat who recently wandered into the office and took up residence.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Finding one that marries style and functionality can quickly take the space from dingy to spa-like.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
9 Feb. 2026
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Outdated and hopelessly dingy tile is impossible to ignore, but so is the price of installing new tile.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The character is a decrepit monster, hundreds of years old, feeding off the blood of young women — and Besson presents him as a romantic martyr for love.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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In 1993, Atlanta received one of the first grants awarded by the federal HOPE VI program—which aimed to knock down the most decrepit public-housing projects in America and replace them with better housing—to demolish and rebuild the Techwood Homes.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For example, receive a new pair of socks, finally throw away that extra holey pair hiding in the back of the drawer.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2026
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That’s thanks to a quirk of South Florida’s geology, where the entire region is perched on holey rock that does little to stop the rise of groundwater, which Sukop’s research has shown is rising on pace with sea level.—
Susan Merriam,
Miami Herald,
12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Roan's look was criticized by some, who deemed it tacky, but cheered by fans of her fearlessness.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Feb. 2026
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Increase mixer speed to medium-low; beat until a soft, tacky, elastic dough forms, 10 to 15 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchy. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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