PATROL Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

patrol 1 of 2

noun

Definition of patrol

as in sentry

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patrol

2 of 2

verb

as in to guard

to walk or go around or through (an area, building, etc.) especially in order to make sure that it is safe The squad had orders to patrol the area. The border is patrolled by the army.

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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 patrol

Noun

The readers, which are typically mounted on patrol vehicles or light poles, work by continuously scanning license plates and checking them against vast databases of cars wanted in connection with crimes. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 The new team will focus exclusively on traffic enforcement, allowing officers to concentrate on violations that regular patrol officers might not have time to address, Salgado said. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

Law enforcement officers don’t typically patrol for pedestrians walking in the road, according to Emily Walker, the public information officer at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026 Godfrey proposes a pan-European fleet of orbital bodyguards patrolling clusters of European assets to ward off future Russian attempts to jam or damage the satellites. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patrol

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrol

Noun

Some of them have panoramic views of white windmills, which dot the coastline of the Taiwan Strait like slender sentries.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of sentry

Verb

Tempers seemed to flare between Flemings and Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
In Serbia, armed police could be seen guarding the bank's offices in Belgrade after dozens of customers stood in long lines over the weekend trying to withdraw their savings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

This lavish hotspot with multiple locations in Los Angeles as well as outposts in Austin and Las Vegas, is a modern steakhouse with a bit of flair.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
On Election Day, as the results started coming in, Rashid Johnson opened a show of new work at Hauser & Wirth’s Wooster Street gallery, which has recently become my favorite of the mega-gallery’s dozen or so global outposts.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of outpost

Verb

Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
The 100 percent polyester fabric is light, yet durable enough to protect you from unpredictable autumn weather.

— Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of protect

Noun

Transport workers had been slated to join the pickets too, but abandoned plans after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini threatened the sector with sanctions.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
In the union’s founding days, Huerta helped recruit a 19-year-old grape picker named Eliseo Medina to perform a one-man picket at the Port of Los Angeles — supposedly to stop the loading of a shipment of non-union grapes.

— James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of picket

Noun

Operation Sparrow called on Duke to lead a crack three-man commando team on a night parachute jump behind enemy lines.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Night Country‘s Kali Reis as a traditional Resident Evil commando type, there goes I, Tonya‘s Paul Walter Hauser as a whiny, weaselly corporate executive — and others who simply start sprouting tentacles out of their faces.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of commando

Noun

Supporters gather at watch parties At Rodriguez’ watch party, the crowded room was full of union members from Unite Here Local 355.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Instead of staging a watch party Tuesday night, Elleson and his wife, Sue, visited seriously ill people in Chicago-area hospitals.

— Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of watch

Noun

Optional extras include alarm/geolocation, a retractable rear guard rail, a canopy, and custom setups for family or cargo.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Any suggestions that Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup might be diminished crumbled on Tuesday night with Algeria’s rear guard.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of rear guard

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patriots

patrol

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Style

“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

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