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

3 of 4

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
Keep pets on a leash when going out for exercise and keep dogs out of the bushes. Michele Gile, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 Don't forget pets if time allows. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
RetrievAir connects major metropolitan areas through private terminals, focusing on routes where pet parents frequently travel between homes, vacations, and seasonal destinations. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026 Nationwide Insurance published the results of its 15th annual pet insurance claims survey on Thursday. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Children can pet a chick and plant a radish seed. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026 An Olympic athlete’s biggest regret from the day was not getting to pet the dog. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • And though the devastation wrought by last year’s fire was unprecedented in its scale, the Schneiders remain optimistic about the future of their beloved enclave and its plucky local paper.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.
    Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Sullivan patted Hafley on the arm.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Harding said it can be used for cases that don’t require a full autopsy or for families who would rather not have as invasive of a procedure done on their loved one.
    Shannon Tyler March 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Her representative called the incident ‘completely inexcusable,’ signaling the singer needs intervention and support from loved ones.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bowen nipped in ahead of Calvin Bassey and passed to Summerville, who advanced to stroke his fifth league goal of the season, and seventh in 10 appearances across all competitions, into the unguarded net.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • This could have caused the plaque to chip off and cause a fatal heart attack or stroke any time over the next 5-10 years, maybe even sooner.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The Padres have become an institution, playing in one of the more cherished buildings in sports.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Here are 28 of our favorite spring movies and where to stream them!
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2026
  • My favorite story to illustrate how Ross moves is the time I was told to ask Ross about his recent purchase of Fort Lauderdale’s iconic W Hotel on the first date of training camp in 2014.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jean is an enthralling account of an artist learning to be less precious about linear healing and emotions that don’t lend themselves to that process.
    Larisha Paul, VIBE.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • However, gold may not necessarily fit the needs of every individual who wants to buy precious metals.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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