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

Three officers in a patrol boat saw him and two other people riding in a dinghy with a blue canopy in Cow Channel. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 Deputies got the victim onto the sheriff’s office patrol boat, controlled the bleeding and stabilized the injury, Campbell said. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026

Verb

At MetLife Stadium, Rodri was the game’s grammarian, a classical, correct presence, patrolling the central corridors of the pitch. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 No one can say precisely how many sharks patrol these waters. — Kate Waxman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patrol

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrol

Noun

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
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

Definition of sentry

Verb

The Hawks got tougher over the weekend, adding All-NBA defender Lu Dort and guard Andrew Nembhard in a three-team deal involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
At trainings—held online, and in kitchens, basements, and alleyways—people were taught what to do if they were denied an acta, and how to handle the militares guarding the premises.

— Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

In its place is Sanwits, the group’s latest, a sandwich shop overseen by Eric Valdez, who was the chef de cuisine of Dhamaka before becoming the chef-partner of the Filipino restaurant Naks, the group’s other non-Indian outpost.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
His aunt's side of the family is behind Osteria da Fortunata, which has five locations in Rome, three in Milan one in Bologna and an outpost in Miami.

— Natalie B. Compton The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Definition of outpost

Verb

Research shows that protecting the Okefenokee’s peat and other deposits is key to limiting global warming.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Although these ladies have access to the best of the best, even that doesn’t always protect patients from the worst-case scenario.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 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

The event is a free, two-night fan festival featuring interactive fan zones, live music, games, player appearances, giveaways and an MLS watch party.

— Alex Zietlow July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

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