Synonyms of patting

patting

verb

present participle of pat

as in caressing

to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner

affectionately patted the baby on the head

Synonyms & Similar Words

• caressing
• stroking
• hugging
• petting
• fondling
• loving
• cradling
• nuzzling
• snuggling
• spooning
• pawing
• cuddling
• gentling
• massaging
• necking
• nestling
• nosing
• kneading
• canoodling
• embracing
• bouncing
• enfolding
• billing
• dandling
• coddling
• indulging
• feeling up
• pampering
• spoiling
• babying
• mollycoddling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of patting

Drake also used the opening portion of the stream to reflect on his recent releases, patting himself on the back a little for dropping three projects at once. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

All of this isn’t just Hollywood patting itself on the back, by the way, a self-congratulation that doesn’t make a peep outside the echo chamber/Peacock Theater. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse. — ABC News, 8 June 2026

If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Bill de Blasio had campaigned against aggressive policing, particularly the city’s controversial policy of briefly detaining people and patting them down for weapons. — Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026

Kids love the hands-on steps here — scooping soil, patting it down around the plants and writing Grandma’s name on a tag. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

The Hall of Fame forward and all-time franchise leader in nearly every major statistical category walked into the arena with Timberwolves co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez after player introductions, receiving a roar from the crowd and patting his heart with his hand. — CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Will foundations stop patting themselves on the back for diversity pledges and start funding the Black innovation ecosystem at scale? — Felecia Hatcher, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026