as in dilapidated
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Recent Examples of patchy
Expect a blanket of low stratus clouds and some patchy dense fog Tuesday morning, but skies should begin clearing around lunchtime.
—
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026
Download offline maps in case of patchy service.
—María Cristina Lalonde, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
The poor cat was in terrible shape, looking severely underweight, with patchy fur, and crusty eyes.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
His memoir is a patchy affair, to be honest, which omits entire swaths of his achievement, yet its wayward momentum exerts a certain charm, as if Hopkins were only just in control of his reminiscences.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026
Download offline maps in case of patchy service.
—María Cristina Lalonde, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
The poor cat was in terrible shape, looking severely underweight, with patchy fur, and crusty eyes.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
His memoir is a patchy affair, to be honest, which omits entire swaths of his achievement, yet its wayward momentum exerts a certain charm, as if Hopkins were only just in control of his reminiscences.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patchy
Adjective
-
Reviving Venezuela’s oil industry would deepen environmental damage in a country already plagued by spills, gas leaks and dilapidated infrastructure, with higher output expected to boost climate emissions and increase spill risks in fragile ecosystems, several experts warned.—
Steven Grattan,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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In this way, abandoned and often dilapidated homes are saved and renovated rather than being left to further deteriorate or be torn down.—
Eric Adler
December 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The street style roundup regular shrugged on a faded blue workman shirt—complete with a retro name-tag patch—over a navy pleated skirt and tank top for a chic outfit that was both effortless and effective.—
Freya Drohan,
InStyle,
20 Jan. 2026
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The upcoming Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Realtree features a Black/Dark Smoke Gray/Metallic Cool Gray colorway, which amounts to a nearly all-black suede, nubuck and mesh upper that’s accented with faded blacks and dark grays.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
People don’t mind waiting for owner Betty Martinez-Sperry’s ham croquetas, ropa vieja (shredded steak sautéed in tomato criollo sauce), and Cubano sandwiches.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2026
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Best Body Pillow for Most People The Snuggle-Pedic is one of the least expensive options on this list, and its shredded memory foam fill provides both support and a cushy feel, while its temperature-regulating bamboo cover ensures a comfortable sleep experience.—
Molly Higgins,
Wired News,
29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The iron in it will turn white cars a dingy yellow over time.—
Ian Frazier,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
-
One of the presoak methods is more effective in whitening dingy socks.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Cahokia Heights, a mostly Black city where about one-third live in poverty, is among scores of communities nationwide with aging and decrepit wastewater systems that can put people and their homes at risk.—
Tammy Webber,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2026
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The most decrepit and weather-worn houses appear to be empty, although a few show outward signs that they are occupied.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
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
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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
-
Below, three interior designers share the color combos that look tacky today—plus offer modern alternatives.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
12 Jan. 2026
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Whether today or five decades ago, every era is marked by designs that are considered cool—and ones that feel tacky.—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patchy. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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