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
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
During the performance, the singer kneels down to hand Fox the award and pats his head before continuing on.
—Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 10 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
His dad patted Joe’s shoulder again.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
During the performance, the singer kneels down to hand Fox the award and pats his head before continuing on.
—Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Here are a few extra tips to get an even deeper clean on your window and door tracks, or how to tackle stubborn mold spots that won't go away.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
-
From eliminating multi-hour furnace cycles in glass manufacturing to reengineering how poorly soluble drugs dissolve in the body, Leonard Siebert is applying materials science to two of engineering’s most stubborn bottlenecks.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
However, what is clear is that Bessette-Kennedy’s simple band perfectly encapsulated her style.—
Emily Chan,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Lots of people across the Chicago area complained about smelling smoke in the air on Thursday, and there was a perfectly good explanation.—
Charlie De Mar,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
First and foremost, Schottenheimer was adamant that this isn’t your grandfather’s approach to a 3-4 defense.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Woodruff, who was then just seventeen years old, has in the years since been adamant that he was pressured by police to incriminate himself and others.—
Austin Elias-de Jesus,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
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
-
Today, it is immaculately maintained by the family and on-island staff.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
-
She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But neither proposal has a clear path to passage with Republican majorities in both chambers and the White House’s steadfast commitment to tariffs.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
-
My office is steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice on their behalf.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Farina is a finely ground wheat product made from the endosperm of the wheat kernel, which is primarily composed of starch.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The crunch of the pecans and the bacon are the sound of the perfect dish, but the broccoli will also contribute to this delight—fresh and finely chopped, this vegetable brings a light flavor and a beautiful texture to the dish.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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