patient 1 of 2

noun

ˈpā-shənt How to pronounce patient (audio)
Definition of patientnext
as in case
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment the nurse asked the patient to change into a paper gown

Synonyms & Similar Words

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patient

2 of 2

adjective

ˈpā-shənt How to pronounce patient (audio)
1
as in stoic
accepting pains or hardships calmly or without complaint you were very patient about having to wait for me for so long

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in persistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a patient effort to finish college despite the mounting debts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 patient
Noun
Experts say providers should raise perimenopause with patients in their 30s and 40s rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026 For younger women, the picture is less clear-cut, which is one reason experts say healthcare providers should proactively discuss perimenopause with patients in their 30s and 40s rather than waiting until symptoms become severe. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
And patient shoppers will be rewarded further with Tokio7’s policy of lowering prices by 20 percent after one month on the rack, and 50 percent after two. — New York Times, 31 July 2026 The team will aim to answer as many questions as possible during the 1-hour event, so please be patient for your turn. — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patient
  1. case
  2. stoic
  3. persistent
  4. victim
  5. obedient
  6. insistent
  7. passive
  8. subordinate
Noun
  • Kappa Alpha Psi’s national governing documents explicitly prohibit hazing, and chapters have faced suspensions in prior cases, including a Miami University in Ohio chapter suspended through 2040 in 2025.
    — David Smiley, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • Prolactin is another pituitary hormone, and elevated levels can point to a pituitary disorder or, in some cases, a tumor.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of case
Adjective
  • Album Artwork On Arirang‘s album artwork, the members stand with stoic expressions and dapper suits.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 July 2026
  • Murray, a stoic veteran, wasn’t sure what to make of Kent, who played with a cocky edge.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of stoic
Adjective
  • Core inflation gives economists and policymakers a good sense of how persistent price pressures may be, and to gauge Americans’ view of prices, officials look at market and survey-based measures of inflation expectations.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Powered by a turboprop engine producing roughly 900 horsepower, it is designed for persistent operations across large theatres of war.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
Definition of persistent
Noun
  • The hearing in Barrow County court is expected to begin with victims’ families and survivors, many of whom spoke powerfully at Colt’s sentencing.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Shanon Gray, an attorney representing the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves, disputed the significance of the evidence.
    — Michael Ruiz , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of victim
Adjective
  • This fantasy of the obedient wife becomes Agamemnon’s undoing.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
  • But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of obedient
Adjective
  • James Madison was insistent that Congress was the most important and powerful branch, especially the House, which was closest to the people and, being elected every two years, would infuse new blood and new ideas into Congress in perpetuity.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • Frightening and insistent, impossible yet certain, a feeling more powerful than knowledge.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Definition of insistent
Adjective
  • Co-owner, club ambassador, strength and conditioning coach, headgear salesman, charity fundraiser and now kit designer… nobody can accuse JJ Watt of being a passive investor at Burnley.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Most expat retirees start by applying for a renewable Financially Independent Person Visa, requiring showing a minimum annual passive income for a couple of about $60,000.
    — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of passive
Adjective
  • The prosecutor noted Patten's cooperation, his good behavior while free awaiting his sentencing, and his subordinate role to the Cokers in the scheme.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • Executive Vulnerability How a leader reacts in the five-second window after being corrected by a subordinate determines the future of that company’s innovation.
    — William DeCourcy, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of subordinate

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Cite this Entry

“Patient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patient. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patient

Nglish: Translation of patient for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patient

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