PATCHY Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

patchy

adjective

Definition of patchy

as in dilapidated

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

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 patchy Grubs, pests, and weeds can contribute to a lawn that’s sparse, patchy, or full of holes. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 12 July 2026 In systems like this, where salinity, sediment input and productivity change over short distances, the chemical landscape itself is patchy. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Many who rely on copper-wire landlines live in remote rural areas, but some also live in the hills and canyons of major metro areas like Los Angeles, where cell and internet service is patchy and the risk of natural disasters is high. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 If your boards look washed out, gray, or patchy compared to when they were first finished, the protective layer is wearing thin. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patchy

Adjective

Its current chapter as a travel venue is helmed by the Greene family, who bought the property in 2000 and began to restore it from a dilapidated state.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Back at the dilapidated family home, Edgar grows even surlier, lashing into gentle-natured Joe for being an under-achiever compared to his brother and causing Thya to become apprehensive about Ed’s proximity to sharp objects.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.

— R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of faded

Adjective

Too mangy, too rangy, prowling in their bony elegance, leaping weightless from dangerously precarious mounds of sharp edges, peering yellow- eyed from shadows.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 May 2026
To write, especially in a first draft, is to submit myself to the mangy, cackling glory of not knowing.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Apr. 2026

Definition of mangy

Adjective

The Miami terminals featured dingy discount stores, and the food choice sometimes came down to a cafeteria without much flavor.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Even though modern machines and detergents have taken most of the workload out of the task, there are still some outdated laundry habits that may leave your clothes and linens looking dingy, smelling less than fresh, and feeling scratchy.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of dingy

Adjective

Since construction at the Eagle Rock site — so nicknamed after a decrepit colonnade — first stalled in 2008, the only thing that accumulated faster than the garbage and graffiti were the epithets from outraged community members.

— Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Now Trump wanted Hildebrand and two dozen other energy executives to commit to investing $100 billion in Venezuela’s decrepit oil industry.

— Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026

Definition of decrepit

Adjective

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
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

Definition of holey

Adjective

Haaland, who has already caught the world’s attention with his sprawling collection of Hermès bags and relatable love for a tacky trinket, was dressed to the nines.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
From word-art walls to flashy lighting, these details can make an otherwise lovely space feel tacky, say experts.

— Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026

Definition of tacky

Browse Nearby Words

patchworks

patchy

pat down

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Cite this Entry

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“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of patchy

adjective

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