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
  • Federal prosecutors, however, are alleging a complex plot to not only shake down Edens but also to hide evidence from the FBI.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
  • This brainstorm is aimed at shaking down travel booking platforms.
    — Susan Shelley, Daily News, 13 May 2026
Definition of shake down
Verb
  • Through a cutting run down the right from Declan Rice, England had the ball in a dangerous position.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • First, on a driving run down the middle of the field, his right-footer hit the post.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of run down
Verb
  • His show is the place to find out that Jennifer Lopez thinks real New Yorkers must be born in the city or that Olivia Wilde believes good singers shouldn’t do karaoke—and whether or not the 40-year-old Egyptian American host agrees or disagrees.
    — Leslie Horn Peterson, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Many high schoolers are finding out that majors are not just for college students.
    — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of find out
Verb
  • His second attempt rifled across the box, just over a defender’s head and onto the foot of Jhon Arias near the back post.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The Wolves forward took a touch towards goal and rifled the ball top bins.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of rifle
Verb
  • To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • When Claudia’s ghost rips into Louis and Lestat with a miasma of rage and despair, Anderson and Reid’s eyes search for each other across the room, reflecting the unexpected agony of this experience and the regret of putting Claudia through this.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Definition of search
Verb
  • In another video posted on Instagram on June 11, Neill was seen raking an olive tree.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • The vision not only to play a raking diagonal pass for Zinedine Zidane to volley home, but to see the future of the game itself.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of rake
Verb
  • 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, 15 July 2026
  • Patients would initiate the request, to be reviewed by health professionals within 15 days, and then confirm it after a period of reflection lasting at least two days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of review
Verb
  • Cyclospora surges can be tricky to investigate, and food poisoning sources can be hard to establish.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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