as in guarding
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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Recent Examples of patrolling
Alongside their daily duties—patrolling the streets, making arrests, and carrying out investigations—the show explores their personal struggles, revealing how the pressures of the job spill over into their private lives.
—
Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Whether patrolling the new environment or simply accompanying his master, Indy comes across as emotionally intuitive.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Echoing childhood memories Like many other people who sought safety in the United States, Davis, California, resident Griselda Gonzalez said watching federal troops patrolling Los Angeles conjured up painful childhood memories.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
When a Democratic Congress responded by trying to pass a bill codifying it into law, Reagan vetoed the bill and his deregulation-fixated (but also indecency-patrolling) FCC commissioner, Mark Fowler led the commission to abolish the Fairness Doctrine.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
The rescue occurred after federal agents were patrolling near Otay Lakes County Park and heard someone calling out in a canyon near Savage Dam, Border Patrol officials said.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Masked agents have been seen patrolling the perimeter, and at least two immigration law firms are situated directly behind the building, according to The New York Times.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The private security company patrolling Charlotte public transportation will soon have expanded jurisdiction on where officers can make arrests and issue citations.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
Venue security guards, state police and the Secret Service were among the agents patrolling the halls.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Whether patrolling the new environment or simply accompanying his master, Indy comes across as emotionally intuitive.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Echoing childhood memories Like many other people who sought safety in the United States, Davis, California, resident Griselda Gonzalez said watching federal troops patrolling Los Angeles conjured up painful childhood memories.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
When a Democratic Congress responded by trying to pass a bill codifying it into law, Reagan vetoed the bill and his deregulation-fixated (but also indecency-patrolling) FCC commissioner, Mark Fowler led the commission to abolish the Fairness Doctrine.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
The rescue occurred after federal agents were patrolling near Otay Lakes County Park and heard someone calling out in a canyon near Savage Dam, Border Patrol officials said.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Masked agents have been seen patrolling the perimeter, and at least two immigration law firms are situated directly behind the building, according to The New York Times.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The private security company patrolling Charlotte public transportation will soon have expanded jurisdiction on where officers can make arrests and issue citations.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
Venue security guards, state police and the Secret Service were among the agents patrolling the halls.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrolling
Verb
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There’s a bar that’s stocked with bourbon, tequila, and moonshine and a couple of porcelain cheetahs guarding a cabinet full of old records.—
Sid Evans,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
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The world's smallest army, charged with guarding the pope and the Vatican, has a new look.—
Katie Kindelan,
ABC News,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Holmgren, Wembanyama and Mobley impact games through a wide range of skills, from protecting the rim to switching onto perimeter players to stretching the floor.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Looking at the key drivers shaping traceability, protecting brand reputation came out on top with 40 percent of respondents.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patrolling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrolling. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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