pet 1 of 4

Definition of petnext
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

2 of 4

noun (2)

pet

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adjective

pet

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verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pet
Noun
Residents in the San Gabriel Valley are contending with a dramatic surge in black flies, a painful little pest known for biting around the eyes and necks of people and pets. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026 In Manteca, his daughters both have walk-in closets, his wife has a home office, and his pets have plenty of yard space. Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Manchin served from 2010 to 2025, and leveraged his power atop the Senate’s energy committee and as a member of the appropriations panel to bring home federal funds for West Virginia and to push pet initiatives like permitting reform. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026 Campspot highlighted the ranch’s creative accommodations and its many one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences including its ranch wagon accommodations, horse feeding and pet friendly cabins. Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
My dream guy occasionally nudged me to pet him or offer a treat. Jennifer Wolfgram, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 This method creates a durable, washable bed that pets love. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole just landed on the streamer and the nine-episode Scandi series focuses on his beloved Harry Hole novels, the troubled detective that launched the powerhouse Norwegian author’s writing career.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Now, the beloved lifestyle creator is making her biggest move yet — stepping from social media into the streaming world with her very own series on Tubi.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While most recipes dollop the biscuits on top, this dough is patted into a rough circle and scored into scone-like wedges.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Jansen patted his catcher's mitt on Baumler's chest and the infielders offered their congratulations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fajgenbaum says six people have been treated with the drug so far, including five children, and all five children showed meaningful improvement — sitting up, engaging more with loved ones, and in some cases making gains that once seemed out of reach.
    Brad Quick, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
  • So the loved one ends up inside a vacuum cleaner and thrown out.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At first, Hanke thought Miyabi was just stroking his ego.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Davidson, a 6-foot-1 freshman, stroked a perfect shot from the right side to send the Trojans (18-13) into a second-round matchup with top seed South Carolina on Monday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Reading is often a cherished solo activity but attending a literary festival can be a great way to connect with other bookworms, meet your favourite authors and discover new books.
    Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Steven Jones was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a cherished brother and a beloved uncle, his sister said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Their voices caress each other as much as their wandering fingers do as two of country music’s best collaborators each add another blockbuster duet to their repertoire.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The teenager is looking to follow in his father's footsteps, and counts Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde as his favorite guitarist.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If possible, set aside some time today to journal, listen to your favorite music, or just take a nap!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That simple act of locking eyes with an approaching gull can buy your lunch precious seconds — or discourage the bird from trying altogether.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • These precious experiences have given Jeremy a profound appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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