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
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
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Unlike her wryly astute essays, the playwright scarcely reckons with the thorny nuances of mourning, and instead settles for a rather pat depiction of grief.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Edwards went over to the center after the play, discussed the situation, patted Gobert and moved forward.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
Twain has long been accused of giving Huck Finn an overly pat, comic ending.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Unlike her wryly astute essays, the playwright scarcely reckons with the thorny nuances of mourning, and instead settles for a rather pat depiction of grief.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Adverb
The use of police pat-downs declined as a result starting in late 2015, according to Cassell and Fowles.
—Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Olie continued to pat Aisha’s shoulder.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Edwards went over to the center after the play, discussed the situation, patted Gobert and moved forward.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The perfectly chunky, almost-statement shoes feature a lightweight midsole, shock-absorbing arch support, and a deep heel cup designed to keep your foot stable as you strut.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Sure, there is a fine line between delusion and conviction, but on Sunday, the 49ers walked it perfectly.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The 39-year-old Nigerian-British actress hit the first official awards show of the season, donning a canary yellow gown and caressing her bump as the cameras flashed.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In one instance, Alix leans in to whisper something in his ear while caressing his back.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stephen Miller made these comments on CNN and was adamant that this would happen.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Although the film would have been far easier to finance if the production took place in another country, Hadi was adamant about shooting in his homeland.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Born in the '90s, the style is immaculately maintained.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Metalfest is immaculately organized and relentlessly programmed, and the heaviness is continuous.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
For an artisanal twist, look no further than Ezcaray Matisse throw that looks as if Georgia O’Keeffe applied the paint brush strokes herself.—
Kristine Hansen,
Architectural Digest,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Allen has created a hall of mirrors, then, in which we’re supposed to stroke our chins and perhaps wink-wink at Baum’s meta commentary about the dangers of confusing the artist with the man … But so what?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
What alerted them to her location wasn’t footprints or a cell phone ping, however, but rather the sounds of her steadfast pup, Cami.—
Outside,
Outside,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The year-on-year increases at each major are more modest, usually between 10 and 12 percent, but that percentage of tournament revenue remains steadfast, if not entirely immovable.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The food processor is a great shortcut to finely chopping your walnuts.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Set in the near future, these finely wrought stories examine lives and relationships amid climate change and technological innovation.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
