as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pouts
a state of resentful silence or irritability
the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention
spent my free time on my pet project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pet
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Bagnara stresses picking repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for maximum efficiency and minimal side effects for humans and pets.
—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Securing a current-generation Dyson stick vacuum bundled with two motorized cleaning heads and a specialized pet hair screw tool below the $300 line is an incredible find.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
25 June 2026
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
14 June 2026
In partnership with Purina and KC2026, there were dogs that people could pet and play with.
—
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
Microchips are often used to register pets to owners or organizations so they can be contacted if the pet is found.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Bagnara stresses picking repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for maximum efficiency and minimal side effects for humans and pets.
—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
Adjective
But if there has been contact, either with you or your pet, call animal control.
—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Securing a current-generation Dyson stick vacuum bundled with two motorized cleaning heads and a specialized pet hair screw tool below the $300 line is an incredible find.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
25 June 2026
Verb
Never distract, talk to or pet the service dog.
—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
14 June 2026
In partnership with Purina and KC2026, there were dogs that people could pet and play with.
—
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Noun
-
The French men’s national team — one of the favorites to win the entire tournament — arrived with HACs, as well as bags from Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
-
Another of her favorites is Henry Ford’s Model-T (Tin Lizzie), which revolutionized the auto industry.
Noun
-
So how, exactly, did these polka-dot pouts make their way onto the mood board?
-
Soto’s Marie pouts and squeals with abandon.
Adjective
-
Fifty years later the beloved landmark was empty and ripe for reimagining.
-
Most residents in town know it as The Little Red Schoolhouse, a beloved landmark that serves as a special beacon of history.
Verb
-
Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.
-
Next, apply a lipstick or lip stain with a matte finish—ideally patted on with your fingers—to finish it off.
Noun
-
Collins and Arenas are five-star talents, and while Collins’ stock is higher at the moment, Arenas easily could return to draft darling status with a strong start to the season.
-
That includes Brazil and World Cup darling Scotland earlier in the week, putting the Tartan Army’s threats of ‘No Scotland, No Party’ under legitimate scrutiny.
Adjective
-
On Thursday morning, one day after a double earthquake rocked Venezuela, the streets of Caracas were filled with families seeking shelter and desperately looking for loved ones.
-
In cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors helped each other dig through rubble to search for loved ones, after back-to-back earthquakes killed at least 589 people and left thousands injured.
Verb
-
But Argentina’s talisman stroked it wide of the net.
-
The responder then bends down to gently stroke the bird before getting another idea.
Adjective
-
The history of reception is also a history of cherished hopes, beliefs, and misgivings.
-
The ball, believed to be about 500 years old, is one of Scotland’s most cherished historical objects.
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
