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 Late summer brings an increase in a deadly disease spreading in cats across South Florida, causing intense illness and even sudden death. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The rollout quickly sparked debate online, with some Steelers fans arguing the villainous cat is a perfect representation of the city's blue-collar attitude. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Wendy’s new brothers and sisters — aka Swift’s cats — also shouldn’t be a problem, Farlow said. — David MacK, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Wildlife officials then sedated the cat, loaded it into a crate, and transported it to nearby Forbes Creek. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 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
  • After visiting a neighbor who was fostering kittens, the little girl would bring one home, hoping to keep it despite her dad’s allergy.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this year, the kitten was discovered in the wild and closely monitored by biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as part of panther conservation efforts.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of kitten
Noun
  • Defense attorney Kevin Reddington repeatedly referred to the unnamed juror as a male inside and outside court.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Females are also far more likely than males to be illiterate, go hungry, be victims of human trafficking, or be murdered by a family member.
    — Gloria Steinem, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • Taking inspiration from the iconic Ginger Spice, influencer and model Meredith Duxbury’s fresh kitty cut is the ultimate fall accessory.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • My darling hubby took the photo a few months ago on his phone and our kitty won first place at my local gym/OTF pet photo contest!
    — Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of kitty
Noun
  • At the time, Tiafoe was the most talented 10-year-old there, the son of the head maintenance guy, Constant Tiafoe, who had fled civil war in Sierra Leone with his wife.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Heavy curtain up; the moaning of sentimental strings; lights rising on some wedges and rectangles of scenery, guys and girls, the guys practically naked save for bits and pieces of neo-Greek get-up.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • The feline was then released back into the wild, startled but safe.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Witkowski estimated a standard chair for the feline would cost around $1,800, which is a steep price given that the growing kitten would outgrow it in about a month and a half.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of feline
Noun
  • In this 1985 novel, recently reissued by NYRB, Louise has returned to the splendor and decay of New Orleans, where one drunken yet charming Southern gentleman in particular catches her eye.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Portraying a character who is an all-around gentleman was the biggest challenge for Skarsgård.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of gentleman
Noun
  • That dude should have been a hero for saving that game for the Angels, with that spectacular catch for the second out in the ninth.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Wendy’s pregnant pal Lindsay (Debby Ryan), eyes flashing with frustration that she’s not allowed to dictate her best friend’s decisions, also sets up a blind date with her selection, Danny (Tim Nienhueser), a solid dude with great hair.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cat

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