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
Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 23 May 2026
In 2003, the United States experienced an outbreak of mpox after people imported African rodents to keep as pets.
—Neil Vora, Time, 22 May 2026
Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Fertilizers, pet waste, oils, grease, and trash are among the biggest concerns.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Resulting from collaboration between policymakers, advocates, and law enforcement, the Act achieved its goals, reducing the number of unwanted captive big cats, shutting down cub-petting operations, and enhancing the safety of communities.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
No animal or pet should be treated like this.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 23 May 2026
In 2003, the United States experienced an outbreak of mpox after people imported African rodents to keep as pets.
—Neil Vora, Time, 22 May 2026
Adjective
Emily Adams, a PetSmart public relations specialist, said the Ramona store will span about 17,000 square feet and contain an assortment of pet care essentials for cats, dogs, fish, birds, reptiles and small pets.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Fertilizers, pet waste, oils, grease, and trash are among the biggest concerns.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Verb
In a follow-up post, Kate and William shared a video of Charlotte, which featured clips of her petting dogs and playing outdoors.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Resulting from collaboration between policymakers, advocates, and law enforcement, the Act achieved its goals, reducing the number of unwanted captive big cats, shutting down cub-petting operations, and enhancing the safety of communities.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Noun
-
After starting his podcast with Soffer in 2022, the two have spent most Mondays and Thursdays since chatting about everything from pop culture to life advice and even conducting celebrity interviews with fan favorites like Hilary Duff, Snooki and Frankie Muniz.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
The dining scene ranges from longtime favorites like The Shed to newer spots such as Leo’s, while luxury hotels offer sweeping views of the desert and nearby Rocky Mountains.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Soto’s Marie pouts and squeals with abandon.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Collectively, we’re all obsessed with the perfect pouts created by celebrity makeup artist Nina Park, whose A-list clientele includes Zoë Kravitz, Emma Stone, Hailey Bieber, and more.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Haunted by his experiences in the First World War — do not attempt the math to figure out how old the series thinks Nicolas Cage is — and by the death of his beloved Ruby, Ben isn’t even making enough to pay his devoted assistant, Janet (Karen Rodriguez).—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
-
Before settling in for a long chat with one of the most famous and beloved people on the planet, Colbert engaged in some clever misdirection.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Bill de Blasio had campaigned against aggressive policing, particularly the city’s controversial policy of briefly detaining people and patting them down for weapons.—
Elizabeth Glazer,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
-
Mama pats Rafa’s head then ruffles his hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The energy and bustle of Harvard Square balances top shops—Ray Bans, Gap, Patagonia—with indie darlings like romance bookstore Lovestruck Books and Bob Slate Stationer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
The other headliners are rising pop star Zara Larsson, Grammy darling Brandi Carlile, lesbian pop band MUNA, and Carly Rae Jepsen doing a special sunset performance.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
We both absolutely loved reading.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
-
The Good American founder posed for photos with all her loved ones, including her sisters, her mom and True's dad, Thompson.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
-
On that bed my mother would stroke my hair and hands.—
Chiara Barzini,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The luxury residential club community has its roots in a cherished getaway that attracted local families to the shores of the Oconee River a century ago.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
-
One of the last of its kind, The Corner Bookstore is a cherished gem of Carnegie Hill, open since 1978!—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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