pat down

verb

Definition of pat downnext
as in to shake down

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pat down Following his arrest, Elijah Lebron was allegedly found with a BB gun that resembled a firearm when he was patted down, Jaques said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 Its owner has said that guests were patted down by security, scanned with a metal detector wand and required to walk through a metal detector at the entrance. — Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2026 Cover lightly with soil, pat down gently, and water thoroughly. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026 Angela and several friends watched as Carlos was patted down and searched. — Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pat down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat down
  1. shake down
  2. run down
  3. find out
  4. rifle
  5. search
  6. rake
  7. review
  8. investigate
Verb
  • When the Moroccan authorities tried to shake down the production for two million dollars, this became a problem.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • If the plaintiffs prevail, local rules could be used to shake down companies for emissions that occur elsewhere.
    — Michael Toth, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of shake down
Verb
  • Embiid gingerly ran down the court and hunched over as the halftime horn sounded with the Celtics up 62-51.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Vikings, as usual, sent blitzers at Allen from every angle possible, recording four sacks and an interception of a heave into the end zone that Byron Murphy ran down and returned 55 yards.
    — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of run down
Verb
  • Surprise doesn't necessarily connote a negative experience, but this question is a great way to subtly find out where the pitfalls and unexpected stressors are.
    — Farah Sharghi, Contributor, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
  • McCarthy said, finding out about the trade at the podium after practice.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of find out
Verb
  • Mbow Dem got the ball near the right corner of the box, shook Miami right back Gonzalo Lujan before taking a few dribbles to his left and rifling a shot into the left corner of the goal.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In Crystal Palace’s recent 2-2 away draw with Besiktas in the Europa League, the Frenchman intelligently read a backpass from defender Tiago Djalo before shrugging off a challenge and rifling the ball into the top corner.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of rifle
Verb
  • Police in northwest Indiana are searching for a man who escaped from custody after he was taken to the hospital after trying to disarm a police officer by grabbing his Taser during a traffic stop over the weekend.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The team is searching for a Miguel Rojas replacement after his retirement.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of search
Verb
  • There’s a good reason why people rake leaves off the lawn in fall.
    — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Turf professionals are hard to come by, and a lot of young workers don’t actually want to rake bunkers, or mow hillsides.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of rake
Verb
  • Gartenberg said she's also seen some reviewers use AI to review submissions, reducing the quality of the screening process.
    — TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The administration should review Latino recruitment, hiring, advancement and retention agency by agency, using appropriate labor-market benchmarks.
    — Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of review
Verb
  • Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and Sacramento Regional Transit Police are investigating the incident, according to the fire department.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Prosecutors are also investigating current and former central bank and pension fund officials.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of investigate

Browse Nearby Words

patchy
pat down
pate
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Cite this Entry

“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat%20down. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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