as in caressing
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patting
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
David Zaslav stopped by to chat with DiCaprio too, patting his star on the back.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
For our littlest kids, this might mean patting the back of a worried friend, waving to an elderly neighbor, or breaking a cookie in half to share with a younger brother.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Akhparian asked while patting himself down and feigning to be in search of a weapon.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
The dog then slumped into the boat, with one crew member gently patting it in comfort.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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
David Zaslav stopped by to chat with DiCaprio too, patting his star on the back.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
For our littlest kids, this might mean patting the back of a worried friend, waving to an elderly neighbor, or breaking a cookie in half to share with a younger brother.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Akhparian asked while patting himself down and feigning to be in search of a weapon.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
The dog then slumped into the boat, with one crew member gently patting it in comfort.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patting
Verb
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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
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The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, decreasing anxiety, and increasing positivity, according to the news release.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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Two-year-old Lily Capasso stopped by, stroking a small paint brush on the starting line – a sign that the world’s most iconic marathon is for everyone, no matter their age.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patting. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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