mend, repair, patch, rebuild 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
repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.
repaired the back steps
patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.
patch worn jeans
rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.
a rebuilt automobile engine
Example Sentences
He rebuilt his house after it was destroyed by a fire. They tried to rebuild after the earthquake. The new owner plans to rebuild the franchise. The team is rebuilding after losing most of its top players.
Recent Examples on the WebParadigm is turning to local TV and lifestyle stars to help rebuild the agency that has been reshaped by the changing entertainment economy and the wallop of the pandemic. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 Dan explained that Abasin Hidai, a mutual friend of his and his wife, had returned to Afghanistan to help rebuild his country. Michael Venutolo-mantovani, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2022 As a result of this mass destruction, European nations required large influxes of aid to help rebuild their economies. Caitlin Mclean, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2022 President Biden is cancelling up to $20,000 of federal student debt for as many as 43 million Americans — a powerful step to help rebuild the middle class. Colin Lodewick, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2022 The Arizona Republic wrote about his situation and about efforts by the Navajo grassroots organization Chizh for Cheii to help rebuild the roof. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2022 The Alaska Legislature has included $200 million in funding in the capital budget to help rebuild the Port of Alaska. Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 27 May 2022 Dave Aranda had to completely rebuild the program from the ground up. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2022 A hundred miles south in Marja, mechanic Hajji Trojan Musafir had to rebuild his storefront three times over the course of the war. Susannah George, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 See More