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patch

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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

Examples of patch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
However, some people have large patches that are very visible. Carley Millhone, Health, 19 Oct. 2024 With the charging of an unexpected power source Friday, the Dodgers have a good enough patch for the lineup Sunday. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024
Verb
Duct tape is also handy for securing tarps or even patching tires in a pinch. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2024 The multifactor authentication devices can be cloned thanks to a cryptographic flaw that can’t be patched. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patch 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near patch

Cite this Entry

“Patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patch. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on patch

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