patch 1 of 2

Definition of patchnext

patch

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb patch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patch are mend, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When can mend be used instead of patch?

While the synonyms mend and patch are close in meaning, mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is it sensible to use rebuild instead of patch?

The words rebuild and patch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would repair be a good substitute for patch?

The meanings of repair and patch largely overlap; however, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

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 patch
Noun
But what’s really interesting are the inland patches of dark purple in Aliso Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Anaheim Hills, the area near CSU Fullerton. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026 For much of 2025, their doldrums felt much worse than the typical rough patch that parties endure after bad election defeats. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Estradiol patches replenish the body’s estrogen. Marina Kopf, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026 Cooper called attention to a small hole in the ice between the blue lines while the Lightning were warming up, but the league’s ice crew immediately patched it up. Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • With the proper equipment, the sun spots will appear as a small black blotch close to the center of the solar disk, positioned a little above the sun’s equator.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
  • With the proper equipment, AR4366 will appear as a small black blotch close to the center of the solar disk, positioned a little above the sun's equator.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Here indeed was a dense speck of wilderness under preserve.
    John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
  • According to the National Weather Service, when a water droplet in a freezing atmosphere comes into contact with a nucleus, like a speck of dust or pollen, an ice crystal is formed.
    Ray Petelin, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Paxton’s near decade of abuse of the office and neglect of its fundamental responsibilities has caused extensive damage that will take time and good leadership to repair and rebuild.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Beerman plans on releasing full designs files under the Open Community License a year after all Kickstarter orders have been dispatched to allow for open access to the right to repair.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The dots were pretty easy to connect.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In 1981, when young men started dying of strange infections, there was no surveillance system to connect the dots.
    Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With the margarita, that little bit of extra kick creates a perfect pairing.
    Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Olive salad adds punchy, bold flavor while chewy bits of salami add smoky, savory notes to each bite.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Turning to domestic chipmakers for less advanced semiconductors also doesn’t fix the problem for these AI model developers.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Crews spent about two years repairing it — replacing brick in the Cenotaph’s interior frame, fixing a drainage system, putting marble exterior stones that had shifted back in place and cleaning stones and carvings.
    Madison Iszler, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Editors could immediately tell that this wasn't your typical tortilla chip, noting the pale color and dark flecks of chia seed.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But right now, nearly every fleck of AI folly that’s risen to the top has been utter dreck.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With fewer large particles to scatter light indiscriminately, the colors that reach your eyes can appear richer.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Our skies will turn hazy with all the dust particles in the air.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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