PATCH Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

patch 1 of 2

noun

ˈpach

Definition of patch next

as in blotch

a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part a black cat with a small patch of white next to her nose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in speck

a very small piece a patch of land hardly big enough for a garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

patch

2 of 2

verb

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again patch the tire and it'll be as good as new

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Because of this escaping material, coronal holes appear as cooler, dark patches when viewed in ultraviolet and soft X-ray images of the sun. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Always keep your operating system and apps updated to the latest versions, as these updates often contain critical security patches. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

Google has patched a previously unknown vulnerability in Android that law enforcement might be exploiting to access smartphones. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 4 Feb. 2025 While the signs and symptoms vary based on the allergen and individual, common symptoms of contact dermatitis include an itchy rash, leathery patches on the skin that are darker than usual, dry or cracked skin, bumps or blisters, swelling, burning, and tenderness. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for patch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch

Noun

Coronal holes may superficially appear to be similar to sunspots, as both appear as dark blotches on our star.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Both have gray-brown bodies with a smattering of lighter cream and darker brown blotches.

— Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025