PATROLS Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

patrols 1 of 2

noun

plural of patrol

as in sentries

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patrols

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of patrol

as in guards

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 patrols

Verb

In the 5th Precinct, which regularly patrols Canal Street, officers faced 73 complaints containing 221 allegations from September 2023 through the period covered by Police Benevolent Association data. — Daniel Edward Rosen, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Grace Geyoro patrols the midfield and constantly nips in for interceptions. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Now, there is a proper deterrent — more than a thousand troops, state-of-the-art jets and Royal Navy patrols nearby. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 The Sheriff’s Office patrols the Chain, with 6,000 acres and 15 lakes that are interconnected navigable waterways, along with the county portion of the Fox River and 26 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which patrols PCH in Malibu, has also begun posting photos of the cars the department impounded for excessive speeding. — Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 That machine also patrols property while human operators handle serious incidents. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The company’s flagship creation, a 40-gram autonomous quadcopter, actively patrols the sky. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 Whether your cart navigates the back nine, cruises the cul-de-sac, patrols the campground, or anchors an off-grid lifestyle, this upgrade extends beyond performance considerations. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrols

Noun

Some of them have panoramic views of white windmills, which dot the coastline of the Taiwan Strait like slender sentries.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of sentries

Verb

Three four-year starters — guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn — have departed.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
While in the forest Lakshmana helps secure food and shelter, carries weapons, and guards Rama and Sita.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of guards

Noun

Transport workers had been slated to join the pickets too, but abandoned plans after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini threatened the sector with sanctions.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
For wooden privacy fencing, the community’s guidelines specify a shadow-box style with dog-ear pickets and require the fence to have the same appearance from both sides.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of pickets

Verb

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against tyranny and for personal security.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026
Connecticut law already protects employees who need to breastfeed or express breast milk while at work.

— Steven M. Frederick, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of protects

Noun

Israel is reportedly occupying over 10% of Lebanon’s territories, including multiple permanent bases and outposts in southern Lebanese territory.

— Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
In the last year, the grocer has opened in West Hollywood, Glendale and Thousand Oaks, with outposts in Costa Mesa and downtown Los Angeles locations planned for 2027.

— Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of outposts

Noun

His career spanned roles as Naval Security Group detachments in Japan and San Diego.

— Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Additional police resources were deployed to the area from neighboring detachments, along with the North District Emergency Response Team.

— Alexandra Koch , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of detachments

Browse Nearby Words

patrolmen

patrols

patron

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Style

“Patrols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrols. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of patrols

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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