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
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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
-
The patio umbrella in question is perfectly oversized to cast a cool shadow over your entire lounge area.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
-
The gym and indoor pool were updated around a decade ago, so have not yet been zhuzhed into the style of the rest of the place, but each is perfectly serviceable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 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
-
Massie had held firm -- adamant that his constituents would pull through for him.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
-
Glamour readers were very, very adamant that consent is needed from the group before a new person is added to the chat.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
18 May 2026
Adverb
-
What basically is a two-hour trailer for the rest of Anakin Skywalker’s story is kind of a mess – he was immaculately conceived?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
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
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 24 May. 2026.
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