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

But the gas also created tactical challenges, since many patrol and Metropolitan Division officers lacked protective masks, increasing their risk of exposure. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 The government has intensified firefighting efforts across Sumatra and Borneo islands, deploying more than 35 aircraft including water-bombing helicopters and patrol airplanes. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Verb

Defensively, Lennon probably won’t line up in the trenches this season, but he is expected to patrol the secondary as a starting safety. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Such fleets could patrol submarine cable routes, conduct searches, stage ambushes, and coordinate with underwater sensors, surface vessels, and aerial drones to support future maritime military operations. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 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

Shrine guards flick sticks with ostrich feathers at female pilgrims lingering too long in the shade to try to keep the flow of people moving.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Cooper Powers and Ryan Hughes also rotated in at center and guard throughout the scrimmage.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of guard

Noun

Throughout the conflict, the Hmeimem air base and the Tartus naval base were key Russian military outposts in the eastern Mediterranean.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Elizabeth Mulholland is set to take on the role of senior director at David Zwirner Gallery’s Los Angeles outpost, according to ARTnews.

— News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of outpost

Verb

Now, the state attorney general says the city must pay a fine or face a lawsuit for violating a state law protecting Confederate monuments and other longstanding memorials.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Your 6th House of Work and Wellness hosts compassionate Venus, opposing spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Solitude, so routines need boundaries that protect rest.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 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

Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
OpenAI sees talent exodus watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

— Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 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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patriots

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Style

“Patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrol. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrol

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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