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
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
David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, are speculated to have a new pet after the family was recently spotted with two dogs.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
Shop Bestsellers From Staud’s Pet Collection Holiday gift–buying season has commenced, and there’s a high probability of someone on your list this year being a pet-owner who’s obsessed with their canine or feline child.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
And Miranda got a tour of the facility and hung out to pet the pups for more than 45 minutes.
—Nashville Tennessean, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
The organizer also invited the crowd to call out additional names — including pets — followed by a moment of silence.
—David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, are speculated to have a new pet after the family was recently spotted with two dogs.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Some volunteers walked the grocery aisles with struggling pet owners.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
Shop Bestsellers From Staud’s Pet Collection Holiday gift–buying season has commenced, and there’s a high probability of someone on your list this year being a pet-owner who’s obsessed with their canine or feline child.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Ingesting parts of the holly plant may cause your pet some indigestion, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
—Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
And Miranda got a tour of the facility and hung out to pet the pups for more than 45 minutes.
—Nashville Tennessean, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
-
There is so much pleasure to be had in rereading old favorites—and part of the joy is meeting beloved characters, who have been updated or somehow arrive in a new form to resist old tropes and types.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Due to the notoriety of the locally beloved sandwich, IndyStar recently held a Tenderloin Tournament to find the establishment that serves the best tenderloin in Indiana.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
First of all, pat yourself on the back for being productive and doing some good in your community.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Olie continued to pat Aisha’s shoulder.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But after 9/11, Tagliabue showed a different side, particularly toward league employees who had lost loved ones in the attacks.—
NPR,
NPR,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Preserving income, insurance and retirement Financial security also depends on preserving income and protecting loved ones.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
For an artisanal twist, look no further than Ezcaray Matisse throw that looks as if Georgia O’Keeffe applied the paint brush strokes herself.—
Kristine Hansen,
Architectural Digest,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Allen has created a hall of mirrors, then, in which we’re supposed to stroke our chins and perhaps wink-wink at Baum’s meta commentary about the dangers of confusing the artist with the man … But so what?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The Super-Italian cookbook author posted a different tribute last week for one of her cherished pets.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Similarly, some music influencers have begun piloting live-listening and album-playback sessions on Twitch—an attempt to transplant a cherished artifact of the analogue era into the digital world.—
Jonathan Garrett,
The Atlantic,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In one instance, Alix leans in to whisper something in his ear while caressing his back.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Head to Amazon now to shop even more petite-friendly comfy pants, and keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Shop more of my favorite winter styles from Amazon, below.—
Lauren Finney Harden,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And, using a tablet will save your phone’s precious battery life for landing.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Three interior pockets keep everything organized, while the tote’s zip closure ensures your precious cargo stays secure.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share