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

Detectives and patrol officers later identified the man as the primary suspect, police said. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 Prosecutors said Vega knew California Highway Patrol officers were trapped beneath the overpass when rioters began dropping burning debris, fireworks and other objects toward a California Highway Patrol (CHP) patrol vehicle parked below. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Verb

The 17-story-tall South Hangar was built in 1942 to house blimps patrolling the West Coast during World War II, scanning for Japanese submarines. — Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 24 July 2026 So those who already have higher levels of IgE patrolling the blood might be prone to developing alpha-gal syndrome than those with lower amounts. — Alice Park, Time, 23 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

The album daisy-chains different ideas together across seven tracks with the kind of freedom that Zaks can only achieve with sufficient haze to guard his process.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
This being Hollywood, however, Bamford is guarded over praise as its can be short-lived and fame and fortune can’t make up for ongoing struggles.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

Their 241-day stint on the orbiting outpost was the first space mission for Williams and Mikaev and the second for Kud‑Sverchkov.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
Many cities — not to mention their hungry residents — are eager for burger icon In-N-Out to open an outpost.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of outpost

Verb

Across more than 400,000 acres, water, fire, peat and time continue to shape an intact wetland, reminding us that conservation is about protecting the natural systems that sustain life itself.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Name the conflict plainly, offer realistic timing, and protect the commitment that matters most today.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

Definition of protect

Noun

Whether in rural towns or sprawling cities, activists who can mobilize citizens to flood council meetings and hold picket signs are finding success.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 July 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, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

Definition of picket

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

That is why millions of people now sleep with a ring, a watch or a smart bassinet nearby, quietly collecting sleep data all night long.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
For those who equate sport watches with rubber straps, the Hermès Cut is a nice entry point.

— Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 31 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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“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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