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

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 patch

Noun

For nearly four years, NASA's Perseverance rover has journeyed across an unexplored patch of land on Mars—once home to an ancient river delta—and collected a slew of rock samples sealed inside cigar-sized titanium tubes. —

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025 Updates often include critical security patches that protect against vulnerabilities exploited by malicious software. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025

Verb

Apollo 11 The first human mission to land on the Moon is one of the only NASA mission patches that does not include the names of the crew members, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. —

Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2024 This gives attackers a big advantage, as defenders have no time to patch or defend. —

Sarath Babu Yalavarthi, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patch

Noun

By its very nature, an errant blue streak or blurry black blotch conveys a certain artistic quality—and, therefore, must also possess an intriguing backstory.

Christina Pérez, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Brown blotches and yellow patches dot its back and limbs.

Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025