mending 1 of 3

Definition of mendingnext
as in rehabilitation
the process or period of gradually regaining one's health and strength it was a long slow mending of his injuries from the car crash, but he's fine now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mending

2 of 3

adjective

mending

3 of 3

verb

present participle of mend
1
2
3
4
as in compensating
to make up for (an offense) the proverb "least said, soonest mended" should be heeded by anyone tempted to angrily blurt out things they really don't mean

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in improving
to change one's behavior or character for the better everyone's written her off as a liar and a thief, but I say it's never too late to mend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

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 mending
Noun
While the company’s humble beginnings began as a simple mending solution, Vivolo believes the future of trims will be about integration between craftsmanship and technology. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026 Family ties may need some mending, and once they’ve been handled, those bonds could be immensely helpful. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 Visitors can try their hand at skills such as block printing, moss wall art, and Japanese sashiko mending. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026 Sometimes our brains need something completely different to concentrate on while our hearts do their mending. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 Their relationship definitely needs mending. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Many of you will agree, and that will go a long way in mending the rift in this country. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026 Fiery Mars leaps into a supportive sextile to healing Chiron, encouraging us to make the first move in mending strained bonds of any type. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026 Hanceville’s new mayor was tasked with mending that alliance. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 After settling in Minnesota, Chin worked as a seamstress, mending clothing and making wedding dresses. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026 This New Moon is perfect for mending such inner tears, with its Capricorn durability steeling your 12th House of Finishes. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026 Saturday should go a long way toward mending that relationship. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026 Economic leaders, especially in the American Chambers of Commerce and the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia, have made clear their interest in mending ties between the two countries. Kevin Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 When paired with the Grimmerie translation key available on the film's Universal site, the spell is revealed to be an incantation for soothing and mending pain and fear. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mending
Noun
  • His attorney confirmed on Wednesday that Nacua began receiving treatment at a rehabilitation care facility in March.
    Los Angeles Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • These efforts aim to enhance domestic production, improve distribution systems, and support agricultural rehabilitation.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, its 3-hour battery life means less charging, and more recovering.
    Talene Appleton, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2023
  • She was taken to a hospital with punctures and lacerations and is stable and recovering.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2022
Verb
  • Sokolnicki, who started repairing and restoring vehicles about a year ago, made his varsity debut this season and has been impressive so far.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The 3,000-square-foot hub joins existing URCs in London and Amsterdam, repairing approximately 55,000 items a year for over 35 clothing brands and now employing 51 tailors.
    Fleur Britten, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Travelers have come to Kalopanayiotis for centuries for the healing powers of its sulfur springs.
    Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In practice, the Bath team verified healing even at ~20 °C (and plans to test at 5 °C).
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ivey spent most of his time in Chicago away from his teammates while rehabilitating his knee, which was sore due to a lack of muscle strength as a direct effect of his long-term recovery from the broken leg.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Windel has spent decades building and rehabilitating housing across Oklahoma.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The grant money will hopefully make managing those problems easier by compensating interns for their work, Young said.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Since then, Tech and Conference USA have failed to agree on a financial settlement aimed at compensating the league for the Bulldogs' departure.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In improving to 35-3, South Carolina’s 6-foot-3 All-American Joyce Edwards scored 24 points and had 12 rebounds, nine on the offensive glass in overwhelming TCU.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Small changes—from better moisturizing to improving your immediate workspace—can make a noticeable difference.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For many, when the goal is curing disease or advancing science, the answer may well be yes.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The dish notorious for curing a cold is a recipe that every home cook should keep in their back pocket for sick days and cozy nights alike.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mending. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mending

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster