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
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
Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
For our littlest kids, this might mean patting the back of a worried friend, waving to an elderly neighbor, or breaking a cookie in half to share with a younger brother.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 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 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
The Teoritta Doll leverages cutting-edge animatronics technology to deliver lifelike expressions and interactive responses when guests gently pat her head.
—Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
For our littlest kids, this might mean patting the back of a worried friend, waving to an elderly neighbor, or breaking a cookie in half to share with a younger brother.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Its hot water wash dissolves stubborn grease on the mop pads, while its specialized Curv design prevents long hair from tangling around the brushes.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
-
For any stubborn coffee stains on the carafe, apply baking soda directly to the interior surface and gently scrub with a soft sponge or toothbrush.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The neighborhood Cadenabbia itself is pint-sized but perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding area.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
In presenting the Best Actor winners, Adrien Brody perfectly, if perhaps unconsciously, echoed Johnson’s remarks from more than 50 years earlier.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Their voices caress each other as much as their wandering fingers do as two of country music’s best collaborators each add another blockbuster duet to their repertoire.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, decreasing anxiety, and increasing positivity, according to the news release.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Both of them are adamant that this tragedy was avoidable, pointing to Irving Marsaw's long list of convictions that span more than 20 years.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Porzingis was adamant his health is now under control.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Its immaculately neat pantry, which Lorna provisioned on an industrial scale, held enough supplies to get them through months of being cut off by fires or cyclones.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Gold chrome vines creep across the nail bed, hinting at a sprawling lawn with immaculately cared-for rose bushes.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At the end of the table, Faris, an Iranian refugee who had ended up on drugs, stroked a glass of tea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Gateway trailed 36-26 at that point, and a Marino 3-pointer right after the foul seemed to stroke some momentum.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The island is experiencing its worst days since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, Havana’s steadfast patron.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Prince William and Princess Kate aren't the only British royals with steadfast food preferences.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Cover and process until very finely chopped.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The tone of both films is finely calibrated, so both moments carry a sense of absurd irony.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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