Synonyms of pets

pets 1 of 2

noun

plural of pet

as in favorites

a person or thing that is preferred over others

the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Synonyms & Similar Words

• favorites
• darlings
• minions
• preferences
• speeds
• cups of tea
• treasures
• faves
• sweethearts
• dears
• prizes
• beloveds
• jewels

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abominations
• bugbears
• anathemas
• bêtes noires

pets

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pet

as in pats

to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner

a cat who loves to be petted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pats
• caresses
• strokes
• loves
• hugs
• fondles
• gentles
• cradles
• cuddles
• paws
• babies
• snuggles
• noses
• necks
• nuzzles
• bills
• spoons
• dandles
• massages
• canoodles
• feels up
• pampers
• enfolds
• nestles
• kneads
• spoils
• embraces
• bounces
• indulges
• coddles
• mollycoddles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pets

Noun

Health officials say people can prevent rabies by keeping bats out of homes, vaccinating their pets and washing bites or scratches with soap and water before seeking medical help. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Dog owners whose pets are showing symptoms should contact their veterinarian for care, the recall said. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

The organization’s next step is raising $10 million through a capital campaign, in which donors can get the chance to name parts of the building, rooms and more after themselves, loved ones, or in memory of their pets. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Wildlife trade is also a threat, with gibbons being captured from their parents as babies and sold as pets. — Jaimie Ding, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

To be with people that get to go home to their pets, or wives, or husbands, or children, makes for a different vibe on set. — Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Fire Department, put the number of rescues at 91 people and 45 pets as of early afternoon. — Nbc News, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

That could come in handy with kids, pets or anything else that refuses to pose for you. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Neither pets nor crude products of an economy, Sanguinetti deftly places cattle, dogs and cats alongside people and land. — Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Supervise pets outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas, and keep dogs from sniffing or chewing plants on trails and sidewalks. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

The heat will hit the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and pets the hardest. — Tammie Souza, CBS News, 28 June 2026

As the finalists from each state move on to the 'Best Pet in Nation' round of the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, the team at USA TODAY Pets has gathered all the finalists, runner-ups and third place pets from each region. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Feed pets indoors, remove birdseed, and avoid feeding squirrels. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 18 May 2026

This method creates a durable, washable bed that pets love. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026

Participants dress head-to-toe in pink tutus and wigs, pets sport pink ribbons, and there’s even a Pink Soup Parade, complete with stilt walkers, marching bands, and dancers. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Feed pets indoors whenever possible. — Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025

Adoptable pets with black fur are less likely to be adopted, an article from Adopt a Report found. — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025