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
Additionally, the cosmic view reveals a dark patch that is the Coalsack nebula. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 May 2026 What to Know About Adhesive Patches and Removers If your CGM struggles to last in humid weather or during exercise, an over-patch can buy days of wear. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Verb
The vulnerability has since been patched and assigned CVE-2026-5194. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026 In another effort to patch a $6 million budget deficit — with a trajectory to grow to $47 million by 2030 if left unaddressed — the Irvine City Council is considering multiple independent audits on various city projects. Victoria Le, Oc Register, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for patch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch
Noun
  • Soon, red blotches were sprouting on his skin.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • That became a mere blotch on the ugly outing, as the error did not figure into any scoring when Brice Turang followed with a one-out double and Gary Sánchez with a two-out double.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Most astronomers now agree that each of these minuscule crimson specks—which bear a striking resemblance to enormous, faraway stars—actually has a burgeoning black hole at its center.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
  • There are blue spots, specks, scratches, flares, and bits of crud in almost ALL of the Apollo photos.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Surgery to repair ligament damage in the elbow is scary for any pitcher, young or old.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • The two escalators at the Pavilions also are being repaired.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The numerous bright red dots strewn around M88’s spiral arms are old stars, while the pink and blue represent star clusters and dust clouds.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 30 May 2026
  • Patterns range from stripes to polka-dots to florals, and the swim dress is available in sizes XS to 22 plus.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Maybe get him in motion a little bit more.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
  • There was always a little bit of John in each one of his performances.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Congressional assistance in the bid to fix college sports could be headed back to the drawing board.
    Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • Except from one small group, who spied the women coming out of the pool and seemed to fix on them with special focus.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • All of the captive adults have been named after stars, because the white flecks on their black stomachs look like constellations in the night sky.
    Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026
  • The patient noted tiny gray flecks drifting across his field of vision a week ago.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • These devices are also only IP48-rated, which means fine particles could work their way inside and affect the hinge’s functionality, although the Razrs are just as water-resistant as traditional designs.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
  • Scientists around the world have been working for decades on fusion, which requires overcoming particles’ natural repulsion to combining.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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