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

Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Marijuana and other drugs entered the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals top 10 list of toxins for pets for the first time in 2023. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Even for those with cash to spare, plenty of hotels don’t allow pets or can’t guarantee a generator to keep power running for people who need electricity for their medical devices. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Cars and other vehicles can heat up fast, so don’t leave children or pets unattended inside. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 July 2026

One unexpected sidebar from the wedding of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and singer Taylor Swift has been the focus on their pets. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal BBQs allowed during concerts. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

One of the owners of a Magnolia Avenue bar helped residents and their pets escape after two homes caught fire on 7th Avenue the night of July Fourth. — Mary Ella Hastings july 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026

America's 250th called for special celebrations, and these pets jumped in on the festivities. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Verb

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

Transmission most often occurs when people or pets ingest food or water contaminated with raccoon feces. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 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