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
Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
As with most national parks, pets are allowed, but not on the trails.
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Viewers were stunned that someone might drive away and leave their pets behind, but for Holbrook, the viral reaction points to something deeper.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 2025
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
According to Spirit Halloween’s X account, the only pets allowed in stores are service dogs.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Each cemetery would be free to set its own rules about what kinds of pets and size limits are allowed.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Lots of people have shared their pets with us too, which has been really fun to see.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 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
The agency is also urging people to keep pets on a leash when recreating outdoors, particularly near riparian habitats, which are where moose prefer to live.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
As with most national parks, pets are allowed, but not on the trails.
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Viewers were stunned that someone might drive away and leave their pets behind, but for Holbrook, the viral reaction points to something deeper.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 2025
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
According to Spirit Halloween’s X account, the only pets allowed in stores are service dogs.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Each cemetery would be free to set its own rules about what kinds of pets and size limits are allowed.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Lots of people have shared their pets with us too, which has been really fun to see.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 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
-
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
-
Kill your darlings, the advice for writers, takes on a whole new meaning here.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Seminoles were 13-0, playoff darlings, swagger restored, the logo gleaming again like a championship promise.—
D’Joumbarey Moreau,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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 14 Nov. 2025.
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