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
Bed bugs typically stay within a few feet of their food source, which is usually sleeping people or pets. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026 Lastly, raccoons also carry a higher risk of being a rabies vector—a concern for people and pets. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
Adjective
That said, dirt, crumbs, and pet hair pile up quickly. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 An investigation last week into a spate of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City led police to track down the cat meat crime ring and detain nine individuals, according to local media. ABC News, 17 June 2026
Verb
Never distract, talk to or pet the service dog. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 14 June 2026 In partnership with Purina and KC2026, there were dogs that people could pet and play with. Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Noun
  • The menu at the midtown location paid homage to many of the customer favorites from the original Mother, such as the mushroom po’ boy, nut burger and chile verde, but Venditti always puts his own spin on them.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • The restaurant makes refined regional favorites like ceviche colimense and his tostada de pozole seco, and mixes cocktails with tuba.
    Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 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
  • The vampire at the center of Rice’s beloved novels has flirted with music before.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Keeping hope alive With their voices loud and signs up high, BCSB leaders, parents, and supporters rallied Thursday in an effort to keep their beloved school open.
    Dennis Valera, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 June 2026
  • Next, apply a lipstick or lip stain with a matte finish—ideally patted on with your fingers—to finish it off.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • This daytime moisturizer is a beauty-insider darling for a reason, balancing the skin’s hydration levels, blending seamlessly with SPFs, and even boosting moisture retention via willow bark extract.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • The French company specializes in forever pieces, as likely to be seen in your grandmother’s kitchen as in zillennials’ homes, like that of chef/internet darling Romilly Newman.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • How can there be so much life bursting around you when your loved one has died?
    Liz Shulman, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • It’s chosen to mark a milestone, celebrate an achievement, or share a meaningful experience with friends and loved ones.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • But Argentina’s talisman stroked it wide of the net.
    David Hickey, NBC news, 23 June 2026
  • The responder then bends down to gently stroke the bird before getting another idea.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The San Francisco art and film community is mourning the loss of two cherished figures after Judith Sheldon, 84, and her husband, Wylie Sheldon, 86, were found dead Monday in a car parked off Interstate 5 north of Redding.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The siblings and their spouses, however, are frequent fixtures at royal family holidays and social events, with Mike describing riding in the Royal Procession at Royal Ascot as a cherished experience.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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