PATIENT Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

patient 1 of 2

noun

ˈpā-shənt

Definition of patient

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

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

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a patient effort to finish college despite the mounting debts

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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

Sherita Golden, a physician and longtime health system leader, has repeatedly spent social and reputational capital to change policies that didn't serve clinicians and patients. — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026 Regarding testosterone supplementation specifically, the interest of some patients has at times outpaced our scientific and medical understanding of testosterone deficiency and its management. — Alexander P. Cole, STAT, 18 July 2026

Adjective

But patient access has been stymied for years by high prices, insurance restrictions and limited prescribing by doctors. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026 The resulting piece is a testament to the power of sensitive, patient reporting. — David Haglund, New Yorker, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patient

Noun

A little over 22 months later in December 2025, FIFA announced the full list of group stage matches with venues and dates attached, giving DFW a strong case for the best slate across the board.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
What began as a low-level juvenile case became five years in secure custody as his behavior deteriorated and new charges accumulated.

— Christina Buttons, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

Definition of case

Adjective

Kyle Clark, an anchorman on Denver’s 9News, asked the candidate in a persistent and revealing sit-down interview.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
The yen has lost 51% of its value against the dollar since 2012, as the central bank kept monetary policy loose to fight persistent deflation.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Definition of persistent

Noun

Brown’s wife was Bruneau’s best friend at the time of the victim’s death, and both women worked as flight attendants for Braniff Airlines, a Grapevine police detective wrote in an arrest warrant affidavit filed in June.

— Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Numerous victims have said that their names and other sensitive information were not properly redacted in the files and criticized Blanche and the department for failing to investigate Epstein’s potential co-conspirators.

— Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of victim

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

Truist treats employee retention as an active, daily mission rather than a passive corporate policy, according to Rogers.

— Chase Jordan July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
Standard photovoltaic systems are passive and sit under open skies, completely vulnerable to the elements.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of passive

Adjective

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
Now the focus is those who preach or serve in subordinate pastoral roles.

— Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026

Definition of subordinate

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patience

patient

patients

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“Patient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patient. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of patient

noun

adjective

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