MEND Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mend

verb

ˈmend

Definition of mend

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again that shirt will be as good as new when I'm finished mending it

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as in to recover

to become healthy and strong again after illness or weakness she's mending after a particularly nasty bout of the flu

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as in to heal

to restore to a healthy condition mended the broken plant so that it was soon thriving again

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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

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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

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as in to cure

to bring about recovery from the old adage that only time can mend a broken heart

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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 For many of us, historical and perennial suffering can be mended through reparations. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 There were chickens, cows and goats to tend to, fences to mend, hay to haul. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 The week before, according to Yahoo Sports, the two men had met at a Texas steakhouse as part of an effort to mend strained relations between Texas Tech and its Big 12 rivals. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026 Though these relationships have been mended, Blair does have other family tree connections in mind for the future of the show. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend

Verb

Olive oil may help with psoriasis and dandruff, while grapeseed oil can help repair hair that’s been damaged by chemicals.

— Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026
The mechanic would often help repair the show’s signature vehicle, an orange 1969 Dodge Charger known as General Lee.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of repair

Verb

The Puerto Rican boxer had brain surgery but never fully recovered from his injuries, identified as a large subdural hematoma, and was in a persistent vegetative state.

— Matt Moret, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Three loose fan blade fragments were recovered from the engine.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of recover

Verb

Online clinics and wellness influencers promote them as ways to heal injuries, reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, sharpen thinking and slow aging.

— Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
That’s because sleep gives our brains a chance to process the day and our bodies an opportunity to heal and repair.

— Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of heal

Verb

As litigation drags on, the plaintiff will necessarily require a higher settlement amount to compensate for the fees incurred so far and this will make the case more difficult to settle.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
To compensate, attackers have increasingly relied on infostealer malware and adversary-in-the–middle attacks.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of compensate

Verb

At 28 years old, the sizeable outlay on the Brazilian midfielder continues Arsenal’s ploy of spending big money on players who can immediately improve their first team.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Some activists remain positive that more staffers at shelters will improve conditions, but others argue the money should go straight to the animals through food, enrichment and supplies instead of wages.

— Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of improve

Verb

The medical model locates disability inside the individual, a deficit to be cured, corrected or endured until the person can function in a world built without them.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The American Cancer Society notes that while metastatic breast cancer remains very difficult to cure, treatment can control disease for extended periods and many people live for years after diagnosis.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of cure

Verb

Mosser has not come to the negotiating table just yet, but Richardson says his office is determined to fix a wrong.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
By identifying exactly what the frustration concerns before reacting, leaders are more likely to channel emotion toward fixing broken systems instead of attacking individuals.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of fix

Verb

Opposition politicians claim that ousting his government is necessary to rehabilitate Israel’s reputation, and that a post-Netanyahu foreign policy won’t engage in the partisan politics of other countries.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
After Mao’s death, Zhu was politically rehabilitated and allowed to rejoin the party.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of rehabilitate

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“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mend

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