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
For the best results, make sure to pat the meat completely dry before dredging so the coating will stick. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 After unmolding, gently pat more cherry cookie crumbs on top. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 July 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
  • For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • The grower will plant again next season, because that is what Israelis do, and the hope in that is stubborn.
    — Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adverb
  • The set up is fairly basic but perfectly presentable and for families, the functionality will be much more welcome than fancy tech, especially the small balcony/patio, dining table and kitchenette in the slightly larger rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • So, how could a raccoon, an animal that evolved over hundreds of millions of years to adapt itself perfectly to swampy forests, find such runaway success living amid the most destructive and systematically ruthless species ever to exist?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of perfectly
Verb
  • After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate.
    — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of caress
Adjective
  • While waiting to go to court, Zaayer remained adamant that Shawna needed to go to prison but was also convinced that David — who worked at the nearby jail — was protecting his wife from receiving an adequate punishment, per The Guardian.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been adamant that there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, given the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026
Definition of adamant
Adverb
  • This boozy, creamy, milkshake-like cocktail is captured immaculately in pie form, with all the flavors and textures of that dangerously potent drink.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Tradwife social media content typically offers an aspirational narrative in the form of videos depicting immaculately groomed, hyperfeminine women, often sporting vintage styles, cooking meals from scratch, and homeschooling their children.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026
Definition of immaculately
Verb
  • There are many outcomes that stroke our ego — a distribution deal, a theater count, a Rotten Tomatoes score, impressions or even followers on social media.
    — Daren Smith, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Medina cuts the ball back, Almada dummies it intelligently and, when the ball reaches him, Messi has enough space to stroke a first-time shot into the net.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adverb
  • Some were finely cut feathers; others, more surprisingly, were denim in various washes that created a kind of dimensional pointillist effect unlike anything else photographed on the red steps of the Palais.
    — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Recipe information Mix together 1 medium red onion, finely chopped, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp.
    — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Definition of finely

Phrases Containing pat

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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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pat

Nglish: Translation of pat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pat

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