mend

[ mend ]

/ mɛnd /

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See synonyms for: mend / mended / mending / mendable on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to make (something broken, worn, torn, or otherwise damaged) whole, sound, or usable by repairing: to mend old clothes; to mend a broken toy.

to remove or correct defects or errors in.

to set right; make better; improve: to mend matters.

verb (used without object)

to progress toward recovery, as a sick person.

(of broken bones) to grow back together; knit.

to improve, as conditions or affairs.

noun

the act of mending; repair or improvement.

a mended place.

OTHER WORDS FOR mend

1 fix, restore, retouch.

2 rectify, amend, emend.

3 ameliorate, ameliorate.

4 heal, recover; amend.

See synonyms for mend on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR mend

1 ruin, destroy,

4 die, sicken.

See antonyms for mend on Thesaurus.com

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Idioms about mend

mend sail, Nautical. to refurl sails that have been badly furled.Also mend the furl .

on the mend,

recovering from an illness.
improving in general, as a state of affairs: The breach between father and son is on the mend.

Origin of mend

1150–1200; Middle English menden, aphetic variant of amend

synonym study for mend

1. Mend, darn, patch mean to repair something and thus renew its usefulness. Mend is a general expression that emphasizes the idea of making whole something damaged: to mend a broken dish, a tear in an apron. Darn and patch are more specific, referring particularly to repairing holes or tears. To darn is to repair by means of stitches interwoven with one another: to darn stockings. To patch is to cover a hole or tear, usually with a piece or pieces of similar material and to secure the edges of these; it implies a more temporary or makeshift repair than the others: to patch the knees of trousers, a rubber tire.

OTHER WORDS FROM mend

mend·a·ble, adjectivere·mend, verbun·mend·a·ble, adjectiveun·mend·ed, adjective

well-mended, adjective

Words nearby mend

men-children, Menchú, Mencius, Mencken, Mencken, H. L., mend, mendacious, mendacity, Mende, Mendel, Mendeleev

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mend in a sentence

In light of what has occurred elsewhere on the roster, the fact that they are on the mend could constitute good news for the Ravens, who also recently got back from injury starting wide receivers Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins.
Ravens sign Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman after adding Le’Veon Bell amid wave of injuries|Des Bieler, Matt Bonesteel|September 10, 2021|Washington Post
Kids can still get the vaccine even if they’ve contracted SARS-CoV-2 if their symptoms are mild or if they’re on the mend—only children under 6 months of age or those with known allergies to vaccine ingredients should go without it.
This year’s flu season could be a rager. Shots can help.|Hannah Seo|September 7, 2021|Popular-Science
His reappearance in a mundane setting such as the teachers’ awards speech — instead of a groveling public apology — could suggest that Ma’s relations with Beijing are on the mend.
Alibaba’s Jack Ma reemerges from three-month absence after clash with Beijing|Eva Dou, Lyric Li|January 20, 2021|Washington Post
When Julie’s boyfriend came home with a brand new iPhone for her at the end of the summer in 2019, Julie saw it as a peace offering—a sign that their relationship was on the mend.
How Domestic Abusers Have Exploited Technology During the Pandemic|Mélissa Godin|December 31, 2020|Time

That in particular is a sign, say some analysts, that the underlying economic conditions are on the mend, given the index increased sensitivity to changes in GDP and the economic cycle.
Dow crosses 30,000 for the first time ever|Lee Clifford|November 24, 2020|Fortune
There, he first picked up needle and thread to mend the shirt of an SS guard who had just beaten him.
From Auschwitz to the White House: One Tailor’s American Tale|Martin Greenfield|December 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The other is still on the mend, but was doing well the last Patterson heard.
He Faces Jail for Rescuing Baby Eagles|Michael Daly|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Local mechanics pitched in to help mend the craft, but weeks into setting off the repairs wore thin and the vessel sprung a leak.
Victor Mooney’s Epic Adventure for His Dead Brother|Justin Jones|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As is often the case when the letter and the spirit of the law begin to fray, legal creativity gets called upon to mend them.
Catholic University’s Harvey Milk Ban Reflects A Church In Transition|Jay Michaelson|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Americans seem to be on the mend in Atlanta, but the priest died on Tuesday.
How Bureaucrats Let Ebola Spread to Nigeria|Michael Daly|August 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Is a Tailor, that can make a new Coat well, the worse Workman, because he can mend an old one?
A Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. Pope|Colley Cibber
Now, go and mend that deplorable frock, and if you don't dream over it, you won't waste too much of your holiday.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
He was much disconcerted, and did not materially mend the matter by saying it was the first name that came into his head.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
“But being disgusted with our luxury and giving it all up would not mend matters, little wife,” returned Jack with a faint smile.
The Garret and the Garden|R.M. Ballantyne
We know well enough the weak parts of human nature: if they are treated tenderly, they may mend.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham

British Dictionary definitions for mend

mend

/ (mɛnd) /

verb

(tr) to repair (something broken or unserviceable)

to improve or undergo improvement; reform (often in the phrase mend one's ways)

(intr) to heal or recover

(intr) (of conditions) to improve; become better

(tr) Northern English to feed or stir (a fire)

noun

the act of repairing

a mended area, esp on a garment

on the mend becoming better, esp in health

Derived forms of mend

mendable, adjectivemender, noun

Word Origin for mend

C12: shortened from amend

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with mend

mend

In addition to the idioms beginning with mend

mend one's fences
mend one's ways

also see:

on the mend

mend

OTHER WORDS FOR mend

OPPOSITES FOR mend

Idioms about mend

Origin of mend

synonym study for mend

OTHER WORDS FROM mend

Words nearby mend

Words related to mend

How to use mend in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mend

Derived forms of mend

Word Origin for mend

Other Idioms and Phrases with mend