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

Although this could suggest that relationships with AI aren’t attachments, the same mismatch has been found for pets, and pets can serve as attachment figures. — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026

Return recalled food products to the store for a refund or throw them deep in the garbage beyond the curiosity of pets or children. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Hammond and This Morning co-host Dermot O’Leary were presenting a segment about pets when the incident happened. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Cats and other small pets also absorb more than larger ones, yet few regulations control contaminants in pet food, Hamilton said. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

The girl is his daughter Natalia, and the birds reference his grandfather who kept a collection as pets in cages. — Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

In healthcare and veterinary medicine, success means technology automates routine friction, allowing clinicians to build trust with people and pets. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Some systems, such as those from Trex, offer plug-and-play simplicity and are designed with safety in mind for both kids and pets. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Curious Pets Skunks have musky, pungent odors that pets may notice. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

If a bobcat enters your residence, officials advise people to move themselves and pets away from the area and call 911. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

In the social media post, the 90-year-old enthusiastically cuddles the pup and pets her softly. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

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

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