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

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 mend Key Ingredients: Biotin, honey, coconut oil, rosemary, mint Sulfate-Free: No Best For: Suited for all hair types—particularly types 3A to 4C—the mask reduces frizz, mends split ends, and hydrates dry and brittle hair. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 The two men, who died on the same day in 1826, mended their friendship through correspondence. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025 Discussing and mending past problems that manifest is pivotal to cultivating a solution to such issues and having a positive state of mind. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 This hydrating treatment is packed with pomegranate seed oil, mango butter, and coconut oil to replenish lipids, mend brittleness, and seal cuticles for added strength and shine. Annie Blackman, Allure, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend
Verb
  • The film shows coach Senad repairing damage to the concrete, patching cracks and sweeping debris from the course – pinecones and pine needles from the surrounding trees that could prove a tremendous hazard for a sled zooming at a breakneck pace.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Right now a defensive stance is warranted until the bulls regain control and repair some of the technical damage.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The statuette went missing in the early ‘70s, and to this day it has never been recovered.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Police investigators recovered two green cellular devices, blood pressure and thyroid medications, Tylenol, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner from the home, according to a search warrant summary.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The mood was like an eternal shiva — the celebration of the South L.A. rapper’s cinematic life is muted, the search for meaning and healing unending.
    Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The legal proceedings have already been harrowing for so many victims, their families and shooting witnesses as well as the broader community of Highland Park, a North Shore suburb of more than 30,000 residents that’s still grappling to heal from that traumatic day.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The legislation resembles statutes and executive orders in states including Georgia, Virginia, Texas and Oklahoma that try to block the NCAA from enforcing rules related to NIL and compensating athletes.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • That’s substantial, and pitch-framing skills have never played a bigger role in how catchers are evaluated — and, ultimately, compensated — by the Minnesota Twins and other teams.
    Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Founded in 1996, ZERO Prostate Cancer has been dedicated to improving and saving lives affected by prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness and support.
    Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Overall, 29 aircraft models had a drop in mission capability rates, whereas only 26 improved.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • With further testing, the novel approach could one day cure the as-yet incurable condition.
    Paul McClure February 23, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
  • As usual, low prices cured low prices, forcing higher cost producers to close their more expensive operations.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Find reusable alternatives, and keep items like laptops, phones, TVs, and cars for as long as possible—fixing rather than replacing them—to keep more plastic from having the chance to turn into microplastics.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The roomy cabinet includes five shelves (two fixed and three adjustable) with Euro-style tempered glass doors for a chic peak inside.
    Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ma was a most prominent victim of Beijing’s tech crackdown from several years ago, and his attendance at the recent summit marked a clear signal that China’s most famous entrepreneur had been rehabilitated after four years in the political wilderness.
    London Business School, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Smith's doctor said the cannibal killer has been rehabilitated and is taking medications to help with psychosis and voices in his head, the outlet reported.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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