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
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Recent Examples of pat
Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
The story was too pat, too earnest, too self-flattering.
—Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
Tyler Dragon, Cincinnati.com, 21 Apr. 2020
Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Agents executing a search warrant seized the phone and then found a second phone while patting Sprei down, Wang said.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
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
The story was too pat, too earnest, too self-flattering.
—Literary Hub, 16 June 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
Tuanzebe buries his head in Bakambu’s neck and pats his back repeatedly.
—Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Agents executing a search warrant seized the phone and then found a second phone while patting Sprei down, Wang said.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images Are Americans finally starting to feel the strain of soaring gas prices and stubborn inflation?—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
-
Treasury yields have gone up in recent months as stubborn inflation reduces the likelihood of Fed rate cuts, Pisula notes, while geopolitical tensions add more long-term risk to rates.—
Tim Maxwell,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Adverb
-
Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Each game was introduced with a clip from the show that fits it perfectly, starting with the Colts' Week 1 date with the Baltimore Ravens.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Board president Kevin Smith said the poll workers took the correct actions with the adamant voter and Thursday’s board vote corrected his attempt to vote a second time.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
And Meg [Marinis] was very adamant.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adverb
-
Walking across shiny, immaculately clean floors into the still room, a tour leads visitors to a room with the immense structures the Bakers use to make their special brand of whiskey.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
Whatever emerges from its bubbling oil — broad rods of Icelandic cod; thick, thin and curly fries; wings and bangers — is immaculately fried.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
-
On that bed my mother would stroke my hair and hands.—
Chiara Barzini,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Amid the uncertainty, however, Missouri Republican officials remain steadfast in their belief that the new map is in effect.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
-
Because Aaron Rai is not Aaron Rai without a steadfast resistance to change.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Adverb
-
Its leaves are finely cut, giving it a deceptively delicate appearance, but this is a tough plant that is not fazed by heat and climbs rapidly to cover a support.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2026
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Recipe information Mix 1 shallot, finely chopped, juice of 1 lime, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl and let sit.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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