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

The projects spanning the border in the Big Bend region include plans for a 30-foot steel bollard wall, vehicle barriers, new patrol roads and technology. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 With more than 26 years as a member of the Waukegan Police Department, Agalianos rose from starting as a patrol officer to become a detective, a sergeant, a commander and a deputy chief before becoming the newest chief. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

The result is to create a robotic fleet that would be a massive force multiplier and allow for a much larger area of ocean to be patrolled at one time. — David Szondy august 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Soldiers patrolled the city's commercial and government buildings Friday while an enhanced police presence could be seen on Ceuta's main avenues, Reuters reported. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 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

Right now, firms carefully guard their training data to avoid losing an edge.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
World Liberty is celebrating the major milestone, while critics worry this is a new wrinkle on the classic case of the fox guarding the henhouse that will give corporations and foreign actors a new way to stealthily curry favor with the White House.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

Al Sharaa reached an agreement with Moscow just days ago over two key Russian outposts in Syria; the Mediterranean coastal bases will be transferred to Syrian control.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Radical settlers have established hundreds of additional outposts without government authorization, while still enjoying protection from the Israeli military and often other public services.

— Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of outpost

Verb

As the Green Lantern, Hal has the power to create material items through his ring, and acts as an intergalactic space officer protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Meta has introduced a slew of new features in recent years designed to protect minors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of protect

Noun

Beyond missile architecture, Pyongyang supplied Iran with midget submarines, anti-ship missiles, rocket launchers, and specialized commando training.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Aug. 2026
This new version would introduce the commando strike force featuring iconic characters like Duke, Roadblock and Snake Eyes.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Definition of commando

Noun

There is no additional preseason game check added because one player takes 50 snaps while a starter watches from the sideline.

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The watch is for Northern Craven, Southern Craven and Inland Onslow as well as Pitt, Greene, Beaufort, Duplin, Lenoir, Jones and Pamlico counties.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 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

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Style

“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

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