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

As the savings from their years abroad run down, and the limits on their freedom as a gay couple close in, the relationship comes under strain.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
The Valkyries decided to allow the clock to run down and the Dream could exhale.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

To find out, Ken Molestina and a CBS News Texas crew hit the road to hear directly from voters across the metroplex and get a sense of the Texas state of mind.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Marianne Rehfield, principal of Lincoln Elementary School, helped out in the process and wrote a letter of recommendation for her, but finding out that Jacoby won was no surprise to Rehfield.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
Minutes later, Kryou responded, cutting to the middle before rifling a quick shot past Jakub Dobes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rifle

Verb

Meanwhile, Trumpworld searched frantically for scapegoats to deflect blame that the electoral bloodbath was a rebuke of the president and his agenda.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
John Probst, president of NASCAR Event Management, said the sanctioning body continues to search for additional manufacturers and noted that an appealing entry point could coincide with a new engine platform planned between 2030 and 2032.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of search

Verb

Beginning around 1980, Judd replaced their garage doors with large spans of glass, opening the interiors to raking desert light.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Ensure seed-to-soil contact after planting by gently raking the seed into the top ¼-inch of soil.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pat down

verb

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