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
The website has other pets in need of homes, too. Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026 Use area rugs in high-traffic areas like entryways or in spaces where kids and pets play to prevent scratches. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The ban would have included exemptions for beverages, additives, topical creams, and pet products. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 Child creates adorable new feeding ritual with pet kitten. FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
At peace with life at home spent petting Lala and cuddling with his husband. Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 The character was previously only seen from behind or in close-ups of his hands petting his sinister white kitty. Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • La España, one of the area’s most beloved panaderías, is a short walk away, and Latidos coffee shop is right next door for an easy morning stop.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • His arrest also poses a serious reputational and constitutional risk for the monarchy, whose popularity has declined following the death of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the pair walk towards the arena together, Dunk is greeted by several smallfolk who pat him on the back and wish him luck in the upcoming trial by combat.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
  • His dad patted Joe’s shoulder again.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Grateful for time away with loved ones.
    Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Such a quick commute and maintaining close ties with loved ones clearly worked in Chelsea’s favour.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
  • She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.
    Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His long arm of hate is reaching out to Hispanic Americans and to our cherished monuments.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 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
  • Contestants Cirie Fields, Season 42 challenge beast Jonathan Young, and Season 48 favorite Joe Hunter are trailing far behind Bracco in both markets.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • One of Griffey’s favorite memories from that first WBC was the reaction from teammate Todd Jones after Griffey hit a home run in a 17-0 rout of South Africa.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Willcox Southern hospitality extends to your precious animals at The Willcox.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The campaign nods to archival Loro Piana communication from the 1990s and to campaigns dedicated to the precious dark Merino Pecora Nera wool, to its signature White Sole shoe, and to the Loro Piana Record Bale Award.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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