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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patrol
Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 June 2026
While walking back to his patrol vehicle, the officer heard tires screeching and a loud bang, according to the affidavit.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Homicide data from the Illinois State Police, which patrols the city’s expressways, also is not included here.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patrol
Noun
The driver was cited for no hazmat endorsement, the highway patrol said, while additional enforcement actions, including federal penalties, could be brought by other agencies and regulatory bodies.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 June 2026
While walking back to his patrol vehicle, the officer heard tires screeching and a loud bang, according to the affidavit.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
Verb
Then additional lifeguards on a watercraft, which was patrolling north of the pier, picked him up and took him to shore.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Homicide data from the Illinois State Police, which patrols the city’s expressways, also is not included here.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patrol
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrol
Noun
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Access to platforms was blocked off with bicycle-rack style barricades and roll-down gates as MTA police officers stood sentry, directing people to alternative transportation.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
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But a Marine sentry was spotted outside the West Wing most of the day Saturday, usually a sign the president is at work.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tuesday evening, the NBA announced that San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama would not be assessed a flagrant foul for his push of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during Monday’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
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For much of the night, McBride also guarded Paige Bueckers, the former Hopkins High School standout, who led Dallas (7-4) with 23 points but had just two assists.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Getting on your mat — at a CorePower outpost near you or from the comforts of home sweet home — and flowing through those sun salutations has never been more rewarding.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
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The anti-settlement monitoring group Peace Now says that 212 of at least 363 existing outposts in the West Bank were created since 2023.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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On Wednesday, Raman said her administration would focus on lowering housing costs, protecting renters, reducing homelessness, improving city services, strengthening emergency response systems, supporting small businesses and fighting to retain jobs in the entertainment industry.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Climbers are urged to have their own pickets in case the protection placed by rangers and guides is missing.—
Becky Bohrer,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Interior designer Maite Granda used low straight top picket fencing at street level of this Florida cottage set far back from the street to give the facade a welcoming and open feel.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Special commando units were also deployed to the location and carried out intelligence-gathering missions and drone operations, the other two sources said, giving Israel a valuable perch from which to see into northern Iran during the war.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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Bin Laden’s wife lunges at a commando and is shot in the leg but not killed.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Intense downpours, hail and thunderstorms continued Thursday, with the weather service issuing tornado watches or warnings for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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That angered the Knicks, who decided not to go forward with plans to hold an outdoor watch party outside the arena.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
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The north was expected to be America’s rear guard, a place where values like democracy and women’s rights might have taken hold.—
Azam Ahmed,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
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And assassins from a coalition of all the local indigenous tribes — out for blood over the murder of Jimmy the Creek, one of their own, last episode — slit the throats of Ming’s rear guard.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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