as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pouts
a state of resentful silence or irritability
the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention
spent my free time on my pet project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pet
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
After Valerie initially went missing, her owners and helpful locals searched for the pet for days.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Police said pet adoptions are expected to begin sometime next week, approximately Monday, April 21.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025
Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
Andrew Davis, Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association Local 548 president, told USA TODAY on April 25 that 13 firefighters were involved in the operation, adding the agency's special operation units set up a tripod to lower a firefighter into the storm drain to retrieve the pet.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
After Valerie initially went missing, her owners and helpful locals searched for the pet for days.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
How pet tracker technology works The technology works by identifying unique features of each animal — from eye shape and whisker length to unusual markings and tail curvature.
—Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Police said pet adoptions are expected to begin sometime next week, approximately Monday, April 21.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Near the big red barn and stables, toddlers were perched on a fence, petting mules.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025
Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
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Not only is our favorite produce abundant at the farmers' market, but family cookouts and warm-weather gatherings with friends fill the calendar, giving the perfect opportunity to make certain beloved Southern recipes that feel fit for the season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Many of his most beloved hits, featured heavily during the April 27 show, had not even been released at the time of that last show.—
Paul Albani-Burgio,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After being mobbed by his team-mates, Van Dijk patted the badge on his shirt in front of the Kop and then planted a kiss on it, to rapturous acclaim.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Cue chill Schmidt, patting away on his handheld drum without a care in the world.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Janine slips June a keycard and tells her to meet her there later, then scurries off to stroke stupid Bell’s stupid ego.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Apr. 2025
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Research now shows that some stalwart seafarers stroked their way from mainland Europe to the island of Malta, about 60 miles away, about 8,500 years ago, according to an article in the journal Nature.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.—
James Factora,
Them.,
11 Apr. 2025
-
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Everybody's favorite socially awkward evil couple, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), are doing terrible things for the Imperial Security Bureau, while Luthen and Cassian try to help the nascent rebellion movement on the planet.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Grandma Bergoglio would take him to Mass, educated him about the saints and the rosary, and introduced him and his siblings to Italian literature and his favorite novel, Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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When a curious 6-year-old met a playful dolphin, their precious connection created pure magic.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Some Vril and Agartha heads are despairing about the way their precious dogwhistles have leaked beyond the realm of looksmaxxing forums and 4chan to hit critical mass.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The team will wear special commemorative jerseys to honor Pope Francis in its April 26 match.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Frazier and Hassanein can be early reserves, while safety Dan Jackson and wide receiver Dominic Lovett can be special teams contributors.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Allwood Timberline Cabin Tiny House caught our eye for a few noteworthy reasons, namely the darling front porch that’s perfect for lounging.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2025
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Your darling planetary ruler, Venus, is transiting the creative sign of Leo while shining a light on your 11th house of associations, community and sense of belonging in the world.—
Valerie Mesa,
Peoplemag,
5 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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