cat

noun

ˈkat How to pronounce cat (audio)
Definition of catnext
1
as in kitten
a small domestic animal known for catching mice the family's cat did an exemplary job of keeping the house and yard free of all rodents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in male
an adult male human being he was one cool cat driving around in his new sports car

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 cat Why summer heat is so dangerous for pets Dogs and cats do not cool themselves through their skin the way humans do. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026 The long, almond manicure is a yellowy-green cat-eye shade that launched a debate among Allure editors trying to determine exactly which kind of pickle provided the inspo color. — Marci Robin, Allure, 9 July 2026 An animal shelter operator in Binyang country, about 75 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Hengzhou, struggled in recent days to rescue about 200 cats and dozens of dogs, bringing the dogs two at a time through deep water. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 Police and animal control officers are looking for information about the person or persons who allegedly threw a box of cats and kittens from a moving vehicle in East Hartford on Wednesday. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cat
  1. kitten
  2. male
  3. kitty
  4. guy
  5. feline
  6. gentleman
  7. dude
Noun
  • With different fathers, each kitten can be sporting a different fur coat.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Every wedding, every cherry blossom season in Japan, every birth, reactor accidents too, swarms of insects, kittens playing with woolen balls, people disfigured by war, palm trees at sunset—five billion photos a day.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of kitten
Noun
  • Harford County authorities and the FBI worked with Othram after DNA evidence did not immediately identify the unknown male suspect through traditional methods.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In many cases, males blink about every five seconds while searching for females and females respond with flashes of their own about every two seconds.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • Leap across rooftops and squeeze through pipes, all to become the ultimate good kitty.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • There are store cats everywhere that are hanging around, and the store kitties are very friendly.
    — Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of kitty
Noun
  • But no, instead he is forced to bro out with all the guys, worst of which is Charlie, whom Brooks understandably has zero desire to spend any time with whatsoever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
  • But Toney isn’t awestruck, nor too afraid to speak up to the guy who once manned the middle of his boyhood team’s defense.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • What once was a duo of felines is now a trio, thanks to Malinin's partnership with the Sheba Ignored to Adored program.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026
  • Gervais has assembled an ensemble cast of felines alongside his main character Gus including Tom Basden, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Jo Hartley, Diane Morgan, Natalie Cassidy and Tony Way.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Definition of feline
Noun
  • For most of the 20th century, a gentleman’s agreement held that no building in Philadelphia rose higher than the brim of William Penn’s hat — the 37-foot bronze likeness of the city’s founder that stands atop City Hall.
    — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Waving and smiling, Aveiro, accompanied by a burly gentleman, takes a seat at a table bedecked with a bouquet of roses, ready to tuck into some cuisine from her native country.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of gentleman
Noun
  • But maybe looking and sounding like a working-class dude who hates big corporations is not adequate qualification for high office—or even proof that you can be taken at your word.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
  • Mariana is not pleased to hear this, and he's got some rough-looking dudes with him.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of dude

Phrases Containing cat

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casuistic
cat
cat's cradle
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Cite this Entry

“Cat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cat. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cat

Nglish: Translation of cat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cat

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