as in favorites
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
as in pats
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 pets
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The cornerstone is a 30-second television spot that will appear on the networks of NBCUniversal in select markets and nationally on Peacock, showcasing Nulo’s team of athlete ambassadors and their pets.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Residue from shoes, pets, and body oils can cause dirt, debris, and pet dander to stick to carpets and build up over time.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Afterward, the monster has a moment with Wendy, who pets its head, and communicates with it using clicking noises.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Internet Reacts After Cosmo's video went viral, people shared their reactions in the comments, recalling similar stories with their own pets.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The cornerstone is a 30-second television spot that will appear on the networks of NBCUniversal in select markets and nationally on Peacock, showcasing Nulo’s team of athlete ambassadors and their pets.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Residue from shoes, pets, and body oils can cause dirt, debris, and pet dander to stick to carpets and build up over time.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Other big stories ➤ These pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Afterward, the monster has a moment with Wendy, who pets its head, and communicates with it using clicking noises.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pets
Noun
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The family-friendly concert features patriotic music honoring veterans, as well as contemporary and classical selections, movie and theater musical favorites.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
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The Kansas City Chiefs are double-digit favorites, and most national experts expect Sunday’s game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to play out with a lopsided result.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The clip, shared by Sarah Ingle (@saraheingle), a dedicated dog fosterer, shows seven-month-old Cookie Crisps nestled in her arms while Ingle gently pats her bottom.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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And just like today, companies that didn’t yet turn a profit were some of the darlings of Wall Street.—
Christine Romans,
NBC news,
15 Oct. 2025
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According to HockeyStatCards, which combines data from Natural Stat Trick and Dom Luszczyszyn’s Game Score model, Sebrango and Nikolas Matinpalo were far from analytical darlings.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Henry brushes it off as a nightmare; after Bug moves on, Beauchamp strokes the medallion and sings himself to sleep.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
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In the town’s maternity ward, the only functioning facility of its kind for miles, Taisiya strokes Assol, her daughter born Sunday into a world where suddenly the risks of being in Sloviansk have multiplied.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pets. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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