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
Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 2023
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
Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025
Simply pat a pea-sized amount around your eye and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
But while the message is pat, the way it’s presented is poignant, thanks to an arresting lead performance from Gong, who manages a tricky balance of chilliness and charm.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 2023
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
Deputies then patted him down and found a handgun and extra magazine in his pants, officials said.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025
Simply pat a pea-sized amount around your eye and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Viewers were quick to point out the hilarity of the dog's stubborn protest, with many suggesting that the dachshund had already claimed permanent rights to the bed.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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The stubborn myth that Jews are too safe to be targets is colliding with a painful new reality.—
Andrew Weinstein,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Prettygarden One-Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress If you’re headed to a wedding this fall, don’t miss this dress that’s perfectly compact-chic—and currently 45% off.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In photos the pop superstar shared, Kelce could be seen down on one knee as Swift caressed his face during the intimate moment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, her mother is adamant about keeping the canine off the antique chair.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Sandlin was adamant that his engineering team has done everything possible to ensure no adverse impact to neighboring properties.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The biggest downside of the WWE maze was the stretch of blackout hallways of nothingness — a rarity in the otherwise always immaculately themed Horror Nights mazes.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wendy sits across from her and begins to stroke Lizzo’s palms with the tips of her aqua-and-pink acrylic nails.—
Allison P. Davis,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
-
But Rivera stroked into center field to end the game.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Our administration must remain steadfast in ensuring that those who put in the work receive the benefits of their efforts.—
Ruth Vitale,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The engineering professor is steadfast that nearly all jobs will be taken over by AI—even most of the ones that have a special human touch, like teachers and car drivers.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Which is to say that All the President’s Men is a movie about process, and Redford, in one of his most enduring and finely tuned screen roles, holds its center—with Hoffman giving human form to that slow, ticking momentum.—
K. Austin Collins,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
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Turn mixer on medium or pulse food processor until chicken is finely shredded.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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