MEND Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mend

verb

ˈmend

Definition of mend next

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again that shirt will be as good as new when I'm finished mending it

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as in to recover

to become healthy and strong again after illness or weakness she's mending after a particularly nasty bout of the flu

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as in to heal

to restore to a healthy condition mended the broken plant so that it was soon thriving again

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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

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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

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as in to cure

to bring about recovery from the old adage that only time can mend a broken heart

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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 Thriving professionally, Garcelle is ready to start the next chapter in her personal life and seeks to mend past rifts in her relationship with her son Oliver. —

Dave Quinn, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Trump in recent weeks has publicly mended his relationship with Brian Kemp, the state's popular Republican governor, after furiously lashing out at him after Kemp refused to give in to Trump's demands in 2020 to prevent state officials from certifying the election. —

Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024 Still, other relationships mended or blossomed between Jimmy and others as well as between those interconnected in Jimmy’s life. —

Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2024 Next tell me what’s always the last thing to mend, The middle of middle and end of the end? —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend

Verb

At the Senator, Hayes said, the building was getting repaired, tenants were seeing caseworkers more frequently and overall there was a growing sense of order.

Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Some can grow new tissue that beats, which is obviously important for repairing damage after a heart attack.

Michael Irving, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024