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

Bernthal played the real-life Baltimore policeman Wayne Jenkins, who led a crew of officers who shook down people for cash and drugs.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026
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

Definition of shake down

Verb

Fittingly, the style comes in three colorways including Zebra Soapstone, a tan take on the trendy animal print, and Gilded Umber, a rich, chocolate brown adorned with gold-tone grommets running down each outer seam.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Two white stripes running down the sides of each leg create a casual look that’s effortlessly chic and pairs well with just about any shoes in your suitcase.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

Thomas Zordani flew from his home in Denver to Phoenix for a consultation with a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon, hoping to find out what could be done to treat his debilitating headaches after worrisome brain scan findings.

— Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Together, the three women are forced to confront old wounds and find out whether what still binds them is strong enough to keep them from sinking.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of find out

Verb

With four minutes until penalties, Spain venture forward, Cesc Fabregas slips in Iniesta, who rifles it home to win the World Cup.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
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

Definition of rifle

Verb

Authorities are searching for the driver of a van who struck a man in a wheelchair in Dania Beach and fled the scene, leaving the victim injured and his wheelchair damaged.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Right-wingers Manchester United have spent years searching for a long-term option on the right, and place three swings of the bat on this list.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of search

Verb

Mopping the floor, raking leaves and shoveling snow all require dynamic stability that supports rotational movement.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Corbin raked Trick’s eyes behind the referees back, but Yachty hit Corbin with a kendo stick leading to a Death Valley Driver from Trick for the nearfall.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of rake

Verb

The spending is heavily dominated by staff travel, transportation and lodging, which make up the vast majority of the top expenditures, per P-card data reviewed by the Herald after a public records request.

— Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 12 Aug. 2026
But the ambitious project remains mired in planning and bureaucratic complications, with groundbreaking still two years off and the cost nearly tripling to more than $1 billion, documents reviewed by The Times show.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of review

Verb

The new question is whether easy access to information diminishes human willingness to wonder and investigate deeply.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Chicago authorities are investigating a South Side funeral home after more than 50 bodies were discovered improperly stored and in various states of decomposition Thursday.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pat down

verb

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