mend

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as in to compensate
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

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as in to improve
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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mend are patch, rebuild, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

When is patch a more appropriate choice than mend?

Although the words patch and mend have much in common, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

Where would rebuild be a reasonable alternative to mend?

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

a rebuilt automobile engine

When can repair be used instead of mend?

The words repair and mend can be used in similar contexts, but repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

Examples 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 mend Thune and Cornyn have worked to mend their relations with Trump. Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Zuckerberg is the latest tech CEO to try to mend his relationship with the former president after past tensions. Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 28 Nov. 2024 The scene was simple: a security robot hunkered in a repair cubicle, mending its injuries. Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024 In recent years, the ruling Georgian Dream party has moved to mend economic fences with Russia, while still insisting its long-term goal is to join the EU. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mend 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend
Verb
  • That optimistic outlook is much needed as invoices are still due on the marred merchandise, and the cost of cleanup efforts and repairing damage to the building owned by the Olde World Christmas Shoppe is hundreds of thousands of dollars.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Mercury and Venus’ connection reveals how to repair the damage incurred over the past two days.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • During these quieter times, the native chaparral and vegetation would slowly recover over the course of years.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Recent developments in the AI industry led many to believe that interest in San Francisco property could recover, as the city remains a vital part of the U.S. tech sector and is a global hub for AI advancements.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The main character, Anyanwu, is an African woman who can heal, shapeshift and seemingly live forever.
    Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • With all these somatic therapies, the goal is to bring awareness to the sensations that stress or trauma are producing, and ultimately, for the person to feel safer in their body and heal.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The bank is also used to pay Russian soldiers and compensate families of soldiers killed in the line of duty, the department said.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The Department of Transportation proposed new rules Thursday requiring airlines to compensate passengers with up to $775 for significant flight delays or cancellations where the airline is at fault.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His work focuses on how art and technology may improve learning settings.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The Bucks improved to 11-1 all-time in NBA Cup games, with their only loss coming in the semifinal last year.
    Jacob Lev, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Ham is a cut of pork leg that’s been preserved through the process of curing, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
  • This flash-frozen fish caught off Vancouver Island by a family-run operation was quick cured overnight and then slow roasted, giving the fish an almost steak-like texture and intensely satisfying flavor.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The solution isn’t fixing the other person but addressing the dynamic itself.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Security reviews allow businesses to proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them.
    Pukar Hamal, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • If the opposition can keep its gains, maintain cohesion and rehabilitate its image among Syrians, Assad may be forced into serious concessions in exchange for his survival.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The current group of owners, which includes actor Ty Burrell, purchased the out-of-shape establishment in 2011, rehabilitating it and transforming it into one of Salt Lake City's most popular destinations for craft cocktails.
    Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near mend

Cite this Entry

“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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