as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
on the issue of raising taxes the governor stands pat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in perfectly
without any flaws or errors
after months of practicing for the competition, the cheerleaders have their moves down pat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
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 pat
Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 2023
Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
Crayton had brined the chops, patted them dry, seasoned them with Tony’s, fried them, and simmered them over a low flame all morning in a black pot with garlic and butter.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
But while the message is pat, the way it’s presented is poignant, thanks to an arresting lead performance from Gong, who manages a tricky balance of chilliness and charm.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 2023
Adverb
The use of police pat-downs declined as a result starting in late 2015, according to Cassell and Fowles.
—Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Simply pat a pea-sized amount around your eye and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
Crayton had brined the chops, patted them dry, seasoned them with Tony’s, fried them, and simmered them over a low flame all morning in a black pot with garlic and butter.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Of all the bad-hair-day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Spills can be blotted (never rubbed) with a dry cloth since the fabric is non-absorptive, and for more stubborn stains, dry cleaning is recommended.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Late in the second quarter, facing second-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rodgers led receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly with one of those off-balance wrist-flick throws 14 yards past the line of scrimmage from the far hash, for a 30-yard gain.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In short, the Norfleet touchdown perfectly encapsulated the role of fourth-down aggression in this game.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In photos the pop superstar shared, Kelce could be seen down on one knee as Swift caressed his face during the intimate moment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As such, Mahomes evidently not only is immune to complacency but actually has become more adamant with success.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
-
After taking a year off to improve his health, Renfrow was adamant about playing for the Panthers.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The biggest downside of the WWE maze was the stretch of blackout hallways of nothingness — a rarity in the otherwise always immaculately themed Horror Nights mazes.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Toronto first got to Junk in the third inning as Nathan Lukes stroked a leadoff double, advanced on Ernie Clement’s flyout and came home on Springer’s RBI single.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Henry brushes it off as a nightmare; after Bug moves on, Beauchamp strokes the medallion and sings himself to sleep.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Labyrinth’s themes, characters, and evocative visual artistry remain a steadfast inspiration for artists of all mediums.—
Logan Karlie
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Alan, equally steadfast in his conviction, sees the model as both economic and morally justified.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
30 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Adverbs that pertain to cutting are also super important, like thinly, coarsely, or finely.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The Carrera gets a handful of modest exterior changes for 2025, such as tweaks to its lighting and front fascia, and the GTS trim gets active air intake flaps in the lower grille area to finely control aerodynamics and cooling.—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share