as in guarding
to walk or go around or through (an area, building, etc.) especially in order to make sure that it is safe
The squad had orders to patrol the area. The border is patrolled by the army.
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Recent Examples of patrolling
Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota and State Patrol troopers will be patrolling the area.
—
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The Chicago Transit Authority is ending contracts with at least two security companies that have been patrolling trains and stations.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
And that’s how the Spurs feel with Wembanyama patrolling the court.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Revere was captured by patrolling British Regulars in Lincoln, just past Lexington, and never arrived in Concord.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
For years, two sets of chimpanzees lived as one in Uganda’s Kibale National Park — grooming, interacting and patrolling their territory in a cohesive community.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Police thwarted the plot while patrolling the area after spotting two suspicious individuals.
—Chase Jordan
march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The Chicago Transit Authority is ending contracts with at least two security companies that have been patrolling trains and stations.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
And that’s how the Spurs feel with Wembanyama patrolling the court.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Revere was captured by patrolling British Regulars in Lincoln, just past Lexington, and never arrived in Concord.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
For years, two sets of chimpanzees lived as one in Uganda’s Kibale National Park — grooming, interacting and patrolling their territory in a cohesive community.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Police thwarted the plot while patrolling the area after spotting two suspicious individuals.
—Chase Jordan
march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrolling
Verb
-
Bartholomew was shot and killed inside Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital Saturday morning while guarding someone in custody.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Anunoby began the series primarily guarding 6-10 center Onyeka Okongwu, a shooting threat who thrives at the pick-and-pop.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ahead of them, Joe Willock (white) was in position to defend a short corner and Jacob Murphy (orange) played a hybrid role to help disrupt Gabriel, before protecting the area near the penalty spot and also keeping an eye out for late runners.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Our highest priority is the safety of our people, the security of our assets, protecting the environment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patrolling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrolling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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