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
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Next to Hofferth, Adam Johnson patted a projector.
—Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 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
Kimmel, always happy to pat himself on the back, agreed.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Next to Hofferth, Adam Johnson patted a projector.
—Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Jared Speight is a stubborn titan of Long Island abstraction when star writer Roxy Margaux first becomes infatuated with his bravado.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
-
For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps remove the stubborn pollen film that builds up over spring months.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
To have a rocket launch with astronauts on board go perfectly well is even more amazing.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
-
In one study, 64 percent of the time, the mongooses managed it perfectly.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Electric Bleu is French food caressed with California seasonality and the occasional pop of Aussie nostalgia.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The French film industry is very adamant about showing films in theaters and maintaining a long theatrical window.—
John Ross,
Vanity Fair,
7 May 2026
-
Be adamant, not alarmist, as Mars squares off with Jupiter.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Adverb
-
Whatever emerges from the bubbling oil of the fryer — fish and chips; thick, thin and curly fries; Scotch eggs and bangers — is immaculately fried.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
Enclosed behind a barrier, a theme park is immaculately clean and features fancy landscaping and roving mascots who pose for photos and spread positive vibes.—
John Haddad,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Ferrer then went back to the sinker, placed the 98 mph pitch on the outside edge of the plate and Merrill stroked it to left, clearing the bases for a walk-off win in front the remnants of a sellout crowd of 46,095.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dan Radakovich is leaving the athletic director’s office after five years of steadfast integrity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
As Miranda faces public outcry and the pressures of a downturning publishing industry, Andy once again strives for her approval amid her steadfast pursuit of rigorous journalism.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 May 2026
Adverb
-
Cover and process until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down sides as necessary.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 May 2026
-
Matcha is a finely ground powder of Japanese green tea leaves, which are grown in shade, offering a striking characteristic green hue and releasing a strong flavor and powerful antioxidants from a reaction with boiling water.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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