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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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

Video from Hilton’s neighborhood taken by NBC South Florida showed multiple sheriff’s patrol vehicles and a street shuttered by yellow tape. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026 Video from Hilton’s neighborhood taken by NBC South Florida showed a horde of sheriff’s patrol vehicles along a street blocked off by yellow tape amid the response. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

His government has loaned and granted millions of euros to countries in West Africa to patrol their coasts, and stop migrants from leaving. — Miguel MacIas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 In Allentown, in a minor-league ballpark patrolled by the Pork Racers and populated by children from summer camps screaming their lungs out, the external noise quieted. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patrol

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrol

Noun

In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources.

— Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of sentry

Verb

That’s why the systems are built with redundancy — typically to protect against natural disasters, cut cables and the like, but now for attacks, as well.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
From as early as April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country’s energy and infrastructure facilities are fully operational and reliably protected for the next heating season.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of protect

Noun

This new version would introduce the commando strike force featuring iconic characters like Duke, Roadblock and Snake Eyes.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 15 July 2026
The way Samuel, sporting a buzz-cut like a commando, pushed opponents around and stuck his head where other defenders were afraid to put their feet.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of commando

Noun

On October 12, 2025, armed and masked thieves broke into the museum and made off with cash from the register and at least one watch.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Ben Cook, a New York creator who posts about watches on TikTok, uses his Meta smart glasses to listen to music on runs and take hands-free calls.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

patriots

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patrolled

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Style

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

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

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