as in to shake down
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Recent Examples of pat down
On a recent visit, I was led in through a series of back hallways and patted down by two hulking guards.
—
Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2025
One Flew South The first and only location of Atlanta’s heralded fine dining airport restaurant that doesn’t require a TSA pat down, One Flew South opened in Inman Park in 2022, with an expansive patio directly facing the Eastside Trail.
—Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025
Additional screenings could include a pat down or inspection of property, said Pipia.
—Alex Groth, jsonline.com, 7 May 2025
He was patted down before officers reportedly found a Ruger handgun that was loaded with six rounds of ammunition, according to police.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pat down
Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2025
One Flew South The first and only location of Atlanta’s heralded fine dining airport restaurant that doesn’t require a TSA pat down, One Flew South opened in Inman Park in 2022, with an expansive patio directly facing the Eastside Trail.
—Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025
Additional screenings could include a pat down or inspection of property, said Pipia.
—Alex Groth, jsonline.com, 7 May 2025
He was patted down before officers reportedly found a Ruger handgun that was loaded with six rounds of ammunition, according to police.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pat down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat down
Verb
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The laps were completed as part of a promotional filming day, serving the dual purpose of gathering footage of the car on track, and the opportunity to shake down the car to ensure all systems are working as expected in preparation for official pre-season testing.—
Bruce Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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While promising that seizing Maduro would lead to freedom, Trump was shaking down the remaining members of the authoritarian government for profit.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Later, when the blue light is being run down Ilana’s body, her hospital gown is carefully place to avoid exposure.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The best ski resorts for seniors offer varied terrain, from advanced runs down to grandkid-ready bunny slopes, and shorter lift lines don't hurt either.—
Roger Sands,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That includes finding out why the trip wasn't canceled.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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Read our explainer article on the Falcon 9 rocket to find out more!—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another goal against Fulham on Sunday continued Cunha’s purple patch; collecting a no-look pass from Casemiro on the right of the penalty area before rifling a powerful effort into the roof of Bernd Leno’s net.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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The junior then rifled a cross towards the near post, where a cutting Annabel Grentz headed it into the bottom-right corner, handing the Patriots the 2-1 advantage.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The agency was seeking to search a strip club allegedly run by a criminal organization, according to a court document obtained by AP.—
Samya Kullab,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Despite being one of the league’s founding clubs, FCD is still searching for its first MLS Cup, a contrast to reigning champion Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in just its eighth year of existence.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Then, rake the ground level to prepare it for planting.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
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This was a much better advert for the use of VAR, as was a late, raking challenge by Lucas Digne on Jacob Murphy shortly before half-time, which only brought a yellow card rather than a red.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fort Worth police are investigating a crash that killed one person on Interstate 30 late Friday.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Feb. 2026
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State investigation into shooting is still ‘active’ The report says the Texas Rangers responded to the scene and took the lead as the primary agency investigating the shooting.—
Michael Biesecker,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat%20down. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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