patting down

verb

present participle of pat down
as in hunting (through)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patting down
  1. shaking down
  2. running down
  3. finding out
Verb
  • This brainstorm is aimed at shaking down travel booking platforms.
    — Susan Shelley, Daily News, 13 May 2026
  • The city hired a second firm to represent Watts, as the city was legally responsible for covering legal judgments against him despite his federal prison sentence for shaking down a drug courier.
    — Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of shaking 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 running down
Verb
  • After finding out the fire suppression systems didn't work, Mayor Tom Maglicco and his police chief went to the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for help.
    — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Rogan suggested that his guest should hurry up with Iran-war negotiations and get on with the real business of the government, such as finding out whether the government is secretly hoarding extraterrestrial corpses.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of finding out
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.

Browse Nearby Words

patting
patting down
patty
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Cite this Entry

“Patting down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patting%20down. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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