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
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
The program also partnered with Project Street Vet to provide veterinary care — including vaccines, medications and check ups — to nearly 30 pets belonging to Inside Safe participants, the mayor’s office said.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
This means that if your pets have an accident, the urine will not go all the way through the rug or padding and seep into the floor, which can cause a very bad smell and staining.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Think of them like tiny robotic pets.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
—Brandi D. Addison, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
Washing your bedding is another great way to prevent stain and keep your sleep space sanitized along with not eating in bed or allowing pets on top of your sheets.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Noun
Cleaning pros share their top tips for eliminating odors from pets in your home, along with ways to prevent pet odors.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
The program also partnered with Project Street Vet to provide veterinary care — including vaccines, medications and check ups — to nearly 30 pets belonging to Inside Safe participants, the mayor’s office said.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
This means that if your pets have an accident, the urine will not go all the way through the rug or padding and seep into the floor, which can cause a very bad smell and staining.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Think of them like tiny robotic pets.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
—Brandi D. Addison, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
Washing your bedding is another great way to prevent stain and keep your sleep space sanitized along with not eating in bed or allowing pets on top of your sheets.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Sometimes pets like to use fringe as toys, so be extra cautious with cats and dogs.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
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
-
From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
-
This is a luxurious, Relais & Châteaux property where the swanky cocktail terrace, Espazio Oteiza, is one of my favorites for the jaw-dropping coastal views.—
Michelle Arellano Martin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 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
-
As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Whales have been beached Once upon a time, whales were the darlings of the beer scene.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
First, the Art Institute invites Grammy darlings Third Coast Percussion to perform pieces for player piano by late architect Bruce Goff, the subject of a major retrospective running through March.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Dec. 2025
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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
-
Research shows the risk of stroke also rises this time of year, and strokes present differently than heart attacks.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
17 Dec. 2025
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In the video, the cat eventually curls up in a ball and continues purring as Li strokes her head.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pets. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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