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Mend

v. resilient, kind everyday

What it means

Meaning 1

To repair a damaged object so it can be used or valued again.

Reach for it when describing practical repair that preserves rather than replaces

A visible patch will mend the coat without hiding its age.

Meaning 2

To restore a damaged relationship, condition, or situation.

Reach for it when describing gradual repair after hurt, conflict, or decline

Listening without defensiveness began to mend their friendship.

Words to choose between 10

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: To repair a damaged object so it can be used or valued again.

  • everyday

    fix

    Fits when broad, direct language suits any practical correction

    Careful Fix is vague and can imply a complete solution where only a small repair occurred.

  • everyday

    patch

    Fits when covering a hole or local defect is enough

    Careful A patch can be temporary and may leave wider damage unrepaired.

  • everyday

    repair

    Fits when restoring function to an object is the direct task

    Careful Repair is more technical and carries less emphasis on careful, modest handwork.

  • warm

    stitch

    Fits when thread closes or reinforces fabric

    Careful Stitch is too specific for wood, metal, ceramics, or systems.

  • professional

    restore

    Fits when returning function, form, or historic character is the goal

    Careful Restoration can be extensive and may go far beyond mending.

Meaning 2: To restore a damaged relationship, condition, or situation.

  • warm

    heal

    Fits when hurt lessens gradually and trust or wellbeing returns

    Careful Heal can promise completion and should not be imposed on another person's grief.

  • warm

    make amends

    Fits when taking responsibility and compensating for harm is the action

    Careful Amends are one step and do not guarantee the relationship will be mended.

  • warm

    reconcile

    Fits when restoring a relationship between estranged people is central

    Careful Reconciliation may be unsafe or inappropriate and requires more than one person's wish.

  • professional

    repair relations

    Fits when diplomatic or organizational ties are improving

    Careful The phrase sounds institutional in a close personal relationship.

  • formal

    set right

    Fits when correcting a wrong or disorder matters

    Careful The phrase can imply full moral resolution beyond what is possible.

Opposites 4

  • damage
  • tear
  • rupture
  • worsen

Common phrases 4

  • mend a tear

    Strong linen thread can mend a tear near the pocket.

  • mend a relationship

    One apology cannot by itself mend a relationship.

  • on the mend

    After a difficult month, the small business is finally on the mend.

  • help mend

    A fair process may help mend trust after the dispute.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated