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
Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Anyone who’s ever had a pet has spent countless hours staring into the animal’s beady eyes, scrutinizing every micro-twitch and squint in hopes of interpreting what the creature might be thinking.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2025
Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
To help pet owners find such high-quality care, USA TODAY has partnered with market research firm Statista to create our first annual America’s Best Veterinary Hospitals rankings.
—Staff Report, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
The journey ends with a bucket-list experience: seeing (and possibly petting) the friendly gray whales of Guerrero Negro.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
The device, which was only available for developers, allowed people to play with virtual pets, conjure up images with a voice command or swing a virtual golf club.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Anyone who’s ever had a pet has spent countless hours staring into the animal’s beady eyes, scrutinizing every micro-twitch and squint in hopes of interpreting what the creature might be thinking.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2025
Adjective
When Bridgeport Animal Control announced on social media Saturday that its pet food pantry had to temporarily close due to an extremely low supply of food, the public immediately stepped up.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
To help pet owners find such high-quality care, USA TODAY has partnered with market research firm Statista to create our first annual America’s Best Veterinary Hospitals rankings.
—Staff Report, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Verb
Owners can spend time playing and petting the dog in the tub, to help build a positive association with it.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
The journey ends with a bucket-list experience: seeing (and possibly petting) the friendly gray whales of Guerrero Negro.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
-
One of the area's most beloved trails for hiking and biking is open after being closed nearly a year.—
Flip Putthoff,
Arkansas Online,
13 May 2025
-
In the first half of May 11's Episode 16, Lin-Manuel Miranda helped the Top 7 contestants strike the right chord with beloved songs from the Disney and Pixar film archive.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
Afterward, wash the cleanser off with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.4 Some people with sensitive skin find that cleansing with water in the morning is sufficient, and over-cleansing with products can irritate their skin.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
15 May 2025
-
Using paper towels, pat your chicken dry (no need to rinse it first).—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Interacting with a pet, such as stroking them, can ease the mind and boost the sense of tranquility.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
His purpose is solely to stroke his outsized, narcissistic ego to compete with other authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
The monologue touches Ellie, who caresses her girlfriend’s face.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
11 May 2025
-
Song, not one to be ruled by trends, has found a way to tap into bouclé’s truest original intention: that of softly caressing, thanks to those looped fibers, whoever decides to perch on it.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
16 May 2025
-
Series regular Tony Todd, who died last fall, returns for a touching posthumous scene that references another fan favorite character.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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This year, make the brilliant switch to floral jewelry including timeless investments in a variety of precious metals and stones that deliver just the right botanical punch without overwhelming your look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
For weekend warriors Weekend warriors only get a few precious days in the woods, so a tent that sets up quickly without much effort is a must.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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So when most kids were enrolling in third grade, Alisa was enrolled in community college, as a special student, in spring 2023.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Monday is when scheduled events at the cemetery include a concert by the United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from special guests.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
22 May 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
-
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 25 May. 2025.
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