as in caressing
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of petting
Last November, the pair made headlines when Stewart lightly pushed Barrymore — who was casually petting her shoulder — away from her during a conversation about relationships on the latter's talk show.
—
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
More than 33 varieties of apples, as well as pumpkins, pears, and sunflowers and a petting farm are available.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025
Sometimes just petting a cat helps.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
In a another moment, Sharon is seen gently petting a bird, followed by a playful scene where another bird perches atop Kelly’s winter hat.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025
Frankie returned the sentiment by clapping his hands after petting the dog.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Ackerman Family Farms opens to the public every festival season, offering baby goats for petting and decorative pumpkins for purchase.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025
Some included petting elephants, meditating, exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, and exploring the vibrant nature Japan has to offer.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
My husband whiled away the time petting the shop’s playful kitten, just one of the many cats this store has fostered.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
More than 33 varieties of apples, as well as pumpkins, pears, and sunflowers and a petting farm are available.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025
Sometimes just petting a cat helps.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
In a another moment, Sharon is seen gently petting a bird, followed by a playful scene where another bird perches atop Kelly’s winter hat.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025
Frankie returned the sentiment by clapping his hands after petting the dog.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Ackerman Family Farms opens to the public every festival season, offering baby goats for petting and decorative pumpkins for purchase.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025
Some included petting elephants, meditating, exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, and exploring the vibrant nature Japan has to offer.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
My husband whiled away the time petting the shop’s playful kitten, just one of the many cats this store has fostered.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petting
Verb
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The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The singer was spotted in pictures shared to social media, gently caressing the baby bump of his romantic partner.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
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But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Keep your greens crisp by draining, rinsing, and patting them dry before using.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
2 Sep. 2025
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At times, its puzzle-solving and chaotic arcade shooting felt like patting your head while rubbing your stomach.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Petting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petting. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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