PAT DOWN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

pat down

verb

Definition of pat down

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

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

The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Models literally ran down the catwalk at times during Adidas’ high-octane show with multiple acts.

— Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

When people can’t easily find out how much water and power a site will use, or who actually benefits, politicians fill the gap with rhetoric.

— Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Nivola and Britton are tight-lipped, preferring to let viewers find out for themselves.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of find out

Verb

Minutes later, Kryou responded, cutting to the middle before rifling a quick shot past Jakub Dobes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Ramírez smothered the ball under him, picked it up, spun and rifled a strike to Nathaniel Lowe at first base for the final out of the inning, silencing the 40,590 fans at Rate Field.

— Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rifle

Verb

But at sea, Spanish guarda costas (armed customs officials) pounced on British ships, allegedly searching for goods being smuggled in for sale.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Oct. 2026
Planning and workflow platforms already allow buyers to search inventory, map locations, analyze audiences, compare formats and manage campaigns.

— Denys Kanel, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of search

Verb

For some homeowners, that means raking or blowing leaves and putting them into composting bags or on the side of the road to be hauled off to municipal compost centers.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
The lines are chalked, the grass is cut and the dirt has been raked.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rake

Verb

That acrobatic catch at the end of the end zone was reviewed by instant replay and deemed a TD.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
The Coastal Commission — which has been inundated in recent weeks with media questions and emergency permit requests amid record-breaking flooding from El Niño and tropical storms — is reviewing the draft findings.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of review

Verb

Documenting the location and the robot's identification number can help officials investigate a complaint.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Charlotte Water investigates reports of violations through staff observations and complaints from the public.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigate

Browse Nearby Words

patchy

pat down

pate

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Style

“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat%20down. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pat down

verb

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