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

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

Rescue partners and foster families took in pets, according to its page. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 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

Trump and Vice President JD Vance said without evidence during the 2024 presidential campaign that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 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

Cuaya and Hernández-Pérez expect that pets would be even more sensitive to familiar faces. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026

As president and executive director, Willis is set to guide HSSV through the next phase of its rebuild while strengthening its programs, operations and long-term ability to serve pets and people throughout the region. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 9 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