as in caressing
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patting
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
Agents executing a search warrant seized the phone and then found a second phone while patting Sprei down, Wang said.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Brush rib slabs with oil; sprinkle evenly with spice mixture, gently patting to adhere.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 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
David Zaslav stopped by to chat with DiCaprio too, patting his star on the back.
—Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Agents executing a search warrant seized the phone and then found a second phone while patting Sprei down, Wang said.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Brush rib slabs with oil; sprinkle evenly with spice mixture, gently patting to adhere.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 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
David Zaslav stopped by to chat with DiCaprio too, patting his star on the back.
—Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patting
Verb
-
The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patting. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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