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
Taken from their backside, the pair is seen carrying golf clubs as the former NSYNC star pats his son on the head. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 Another picture in the post shows Justin patting Phin on the head as the pair walk together on a golf course, sporting matching golf bags. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 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
  • Designed for limp, oily, and dull hair, the color-safe formula washes away stubborn dirt and grime—common culprits of flat waves—while a lineup of amino acids work to soften and strengthen strands.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This skirt creates a temporary seal to help focus airflow on extra-stubborn dirt.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adverb
  • Part memoir, part how-to guide for heated political conversations, it’s perfectly timed for what could be one of the most expensive and most polarized midterm elections in modern history.
    — Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • It's perfectly located on the eastern side of the island, close enough to walk to the restaurants and spa without a buggy, but still very private.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Verb
  • Breasts are caressed and thighs crisscross; kisses are planted, and occasionally there’s a glimpse of something more graphic.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of caress
Adjective
  • Her mom handmade her dress Parton was adamant about having her mom, Avie Lee Parton, present for her nuptials.
    — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But Coppola was adamant, and Eastman used her leverage to help secure Pacino’s place.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of adamant
Adverb
  • Six fit-for-a-billionaire log cabins are immaculately done—and recently refreshed—with a mix of designer and antique Western furniture, including the main lodge (Marley’s Lodge) with six suites, a chef’s kitchen, and gym.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of immaculately
Verb
  • But Kim stroked a walk-off single into left field in the ninth inning off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • The cigar lounge was steadfast in Sundance Square throughout Covid and the ever-changing business scene downtown.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • By the end of the primary, Moulton had apologized for his November 2024 remarks — and Markey’s steadfast support for trans rights was part of his re-election argument.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adverb
  • Thinly slice remaining 2 celery stalks, then finely chop enough dill to yield ¼ cup.
    — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • How to Store Chopped Onions Feel free to quarter, wedge, coarsely chop, mince, or finely chop an onion in advance, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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