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
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.
—ABC News, 8 June 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
Wemby walked over and patted him a couple of times on the back.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
But La Roja could not find a way past Vozinha and a stubborn defense that had an answer to everything Spain’s superstars threw at them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
-
Meanwhile, Hanks invests the vulnerable but stubborn Woody with a delectable senior resilience.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adverb
-
The passage is incoherent, yet, in conflating progressive reform with arrogant blind faith, it is perfectly suited to Vance’s cynical conservatism.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
-
The robust selection feels bespoke and unexpected, catering perfectly to anyone on the hunt for something truly unique.—
Alyssa Longobucco,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Kate could be seen reaching over to caress the back of Louis’s short blonde hair, showing off her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
-
And short hair always feels so good once the temperatures climb and the humidity sets in; keeping your neck free allows the cool breeze of a blasting air conditioner to caress your skin.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Advertisement Throughout negotiations, Tehran has been adamant that any cease-fire with Washington must also end the hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, and that any permanent truce must lead to Israel withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
19 June 2026
-
Trump and Vance have been adamant that the fund will not be financed by American dollars.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Adverb
-
Expect a white-glove experience with thoughtful, immaculately plated dishes all while dining under a ceiling of ornate blue and gold frescoes.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
What basically is a two-hour trailer for the rest of Anakin Skywalker’s story is kind of a mess – he was immaculately conceived?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The responder then bends down to gently stroke the bird before getting another idea.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
-
Mihyia Davis stroked the next pitch off Slimp’s glove in left for a double and Williams moved to third.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sacramento Councilmember Karina Talamantes, whose district is directly adjacent to the project, has remained steadfast in her opposition to the development, urging the county to further delay the vote until a new supervisor is elected to replace Phil Serna, who is championing the project.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
-
While fashion cycles continue to accelerate—microtrends anchoring and evaporating in the span of a season—the twins have remained steadfast in their aesthetic convictions, causing the masses to forage and collect the few visuals of them doing just so.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
Adverb
-
Attendees marked the historic occasion dressed in traditional barongs — formalwear finely woven from piña, or pineapple fibers — as well as elegant Filipiniana outfits and ternos, the traditional formal gowns instantly recognizable by their structured butterfly sleeves.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
-
Mowing the lawn twice will finely cut the clippings and redistribute them.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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