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
Grethel Aguila, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Gonzalez, who was wearing a blue button up-shirt and khaki pants, patted the back of his attorney, Jude Faccidomo.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 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
Gonzalez, who was wearing a blue, button-up shirt and khaki pants, patted the back of his attorney, Jude Faccidomo.
—Grethel Aguila, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Gonzalez, who was wearing a blue button up-shirt and khaki pants, patted the back of his attorney, Jude Faccidomo.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Abby, how does one work with stubborn husbands?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
-
Ahead, Katie Sullivan, the director of issue communications at the American Cleaning Institute, shares the best way to remove sticky, greasy residue from pot lids, at-home solutions for tackling even the most stubborn residue, and the one mistake to avoid that can make cleanup more difficult.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 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
-
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
-
For two of South Florida’s steadfast dance organizations these signs of one more forward-moving spring are about to brighten the calendar.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
5 May 2026
-
Dan Radakovich is leaving the athletic director’s office after five years of steadfast integrity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Adverb
-
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
-
Even then the metal was sanded finely and in the Lucca’s case the radiator and spoked wheels were fitted with covers for improved aerodynamics.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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