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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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 To mend our impaired system, the Senate must end this fast-track approach and restore the 60-vote barrier. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 To mend our impaired political system, the Senate must end this fast-track approach and restore the 60-vote barrier. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 With the 30th anniversary of Cinderella fast approaching, Houston’s greatest heartbreak may have a chance to be mended. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 For many of us, historical and perennial suffering can be mended through reparations. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mend

Verb

Mateta has repaired his relationship with the Palace supporters before, but this seems like the point of no return.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The $206 million project is set to replace or repair concrete slabs on the highway, and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of repair

Verb

Two explosive devices were recovered from a home in Santa Barbara County on Saturday, authorities said.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Sheriff’s detectives recovered the skull and other items from the campsite and surrounding area, but medical examiners were unable to determine a cause of death.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of recover

Verb

The book centers on his belief that personal transformation can happen even before someone feels completely healed.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
The downside to that would be that King would have to miss a minimum of the team’s first four games — but if King’s hamstring injury is taking a while to heal, such a move could make sense.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of heal

Verb

Pawloski said Amazon seemed to invest fewer resources into improving MTurk at the same time as more data labeling services arrived, causing many turkers to shift to competing platforms.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
This non-greasy, lightweight formula improves scalp health to promote healthy, thicker, and faster hair growth.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of improve

Verb

Some improved dramatically in just a few days, while others required longer courses to cure their infection and avoid relapse.

— Amy J. Mathers, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Keep scrolling for the rest of our interview with Skilla, who details his bond with 50 Cent, getting features from Nas and Chris Brown and what helped cure his depression.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cure

Verb

Dickson himself concedes there is still much work to be done to fully rehabilitate the Gap, as well as its sister brands.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Naples Zoo teams worked to rehabilitate her through nutrition, medical treatment and constant monitoring.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rehabilitate

Cite this Entry

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“Mend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mend. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mend

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