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

Railway officials have equipped locomotive pilots with protective gear, while armed security personnel patrol the train and guard stations along the line. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026 Edgar Navarro, Waukegan’s chief of police for the past three years, who climbed the ranks from a patrol officer over a 27-year career, plans to retire on July 17. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Verb

As a deputy, the 48-year-old has worked in the courts, worked in the jails, patrolled streets in Vista and now patrols them in Santee. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2026 Armed guards routinely patrol outside synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patrol

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrol

Noun

The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Finally, unable to stand down the household guard on her own, Alicent confesses her scheme to Helaena, who orders the sentries on the ramparts to hold fire when Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Definition of sentry

Verb

Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

And this is not an end in itself; NASA believes the knowledge gained from establishing such an outpost will help humanity make the next giant leap — to Mars.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Once a rough-and-tumble steel town, Pittsburgh’s in the midst of a massive makeover—and the Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, a funky, super-stylish Kimpton outpost is helping to lead the charge.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of outpost

Noun

Park rangers and mountain guides install and maintain snow pickets — which are used to help build anchors for extra protection on areas like steep slopes — between the high camp and Denali Pass, the park has said.

— Becky Bohrer, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Park rangers and mountain guides install and maintain snow pickets — which are used to help build anchors for extra protection on areas like steep slopes — between the high camp and Denali Pass, the park has said.

— Becky Bohrer, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

Definition of picket

Noun

New additions to the cast include not only Pattinson but also Isaach de Bankolé as Paul’s former Fedaykin death commando.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 July 2026
Pattinson joins the ranks, as does acclaimed Ivorian actor Isaach De Bankolé, who plays Farok, a disenchanted Fedaykin death commando (essentially, a former Atreides guard).

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026

Definition of commando

Noun

Over the next two decades, records are few, most of them noting criminal convictions for fighting in bars, stealing a watch, deserting a whaling ship, and beating his wife.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
For a neighborhood-style atmosphere semifinal watch party, The Brightside is a small bar that really packs a punch.

— Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 July 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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Style

“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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