pat 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of patnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pat

2 of 3

adverb

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

pat

3 of 3

verb

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
Adjective
Online antique shop owner and past ex-pat, Emily Mabe of Willow and Pearls in Spanish Fort, Alabama, says hunting for copper in France was among her favorite things to find. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025 The film stars Oscar winner Brendan Fraser as Phillip Vandarploeug, an ex-pat American actor living in Tokyo. — Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The 2016 draft was the last time the Bengals stayed pat through all seven rounds. — Tyler Dragon, Cincinnati.com, 21 Apr. 2020
Verb
In the heart of an SEC schedule, teams have little time to pat themselves on the back. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
  1. stubborn
  2. perfectly
  3. caress
  4. adamant
  5. immaculately
  6. stroke
  7. steadfast
  8. finely
Adjective
  • But Democrats face a tall task ahead, economists say, especially because the broader economic challenges that vexed voters stem from global conflicts like the Iran war and stubborn inflation.
    — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With corporate profits and consumer spending remaining healthy, layoffs also remain low despite stubborn inflation and recent jitters in the stock market over whether the pace of AI investment is sustainable.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adverb
  • Gigi Hadid broke out the trend in corduroy pants form, which is perfectly seasonal with soft and warm fabric paired with a relaxed design.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the long touchdown catch-and-run, Johnson and Mahomes worked it perfectly.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Verb
  • The most sensual scene in the movie is actually a dance number at a public gathering where the two characters slowly sway and caress each other, much to the horror and confusion of the other townsfolk.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As if that same sea that caresses the feet of the palms were doing it now in Tokyo, in your house.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of caress
Adjective
  • On the younger side was Matthew Briggs, who was adamant to see Brooks live despite only knowing one song.
    — Rashad Alexander November 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Regardless, Republican Sam Matthews, an at-times independent voter who dropped into the Ohio GOP bus tour launch party in Strongsville, remained adamant Democrats continued to be too extreme for most of the electorate.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of adamant
Adverb
  • The rooms are spacious, comfortable, immaculately pressed and cleaned, and blissfully quiet.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Smiling serenely, the author looks immaculately put-together, including her matte red lips, which are even more striking contrasted against her pristine white suit.
    — Fawnia Soo Hoo, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of immaculately
Verb
  • White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • Sirianni had been steadfast in his faith in Mannion over the last few weeks but did not give him an endorsement when asked if the beleaguered coordinator would keep his role.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chris is a champion for Connecticut, for the core values of our nation, and a steadfast defender of democracy, both at home and abroad.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adverb
  • An 1840 stint at the Harvard Library led to the insight that mixing finely ground clay with graphite would allow Thoreau Pencils to be graded from soft to hard.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup), and stir, adding more pasta cooking liquid a splash at a time as needed to keep sauce smooth and shiny, until incorporated; season with salt.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of finely

Phrases Containing pat

Browse Nearby Words

pasty
pat
patch
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Cite this Entry

“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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