mend
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.
to progress toward recovery, as a sick person.
(of broken bones) to grow back together; knit.
to improve, as conditions or affairs.
the act of mending; repair or improvement.
a mended place.
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
1synonym study For mend
Other words for mend
Opposites for mend
Other words from mend
- mend·a·ble, adjective
- re·mend, verb
- un·mend·a·ble, adjective
- un·mend·ed, adjective
- well-mended, adjective
Words Nearby mend
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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 PostKids 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-ScienceHis 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 PostWhen 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 | TimeThat 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.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTThe other is still on the mend, but was doing well the last Patterson heard.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTAs 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 | THE DAILY BEASTThe Americans seem to be on the mend in Atlanta, but the priest died on Tuesday.
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 CibberNow, 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 YongeHe 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. BallantyneWe 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
/ (mɛnd) /
(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)
the act of repairing
a mended area, esp on a garment
on the mend becoming better, esp in health
Origin of mend
1Derived forms of mend
- mendable, adjective
- mender, noun
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
In addition to the idioms beginning with mend
- mend one's fences
- mend one's ways
also see:
- on the mend
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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