pit-a-pat

Definition of pit-a-patnext
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner her heart pit-a-patted with surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pit-a-pat
Verb
  • And yet, as dynasties could emerge across a number of divisions in boys hockey this postseason, none should diminish what will be yet another heart-throbbing three weeks.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Winning by rallying the naïve and clueless is one thing, but administering a throbbing behemoth is a greater challenge.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Necas added his seventh power-play goal of the season 2 1/2 minutes later, beating his Czech Olympic teammate with a high shot.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In the last ten years, Berkshire shares have gained 250%, also beating the S & P 500.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The right work can make a subject that’s never crossed my mind, or that strikes me as aggressively boring, into something incantatory, pulsing with meaning.
    Deb Olin Unferth, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Accidental melodies fade in and out of earshot; pulsing chords rise up from below and are swallowed back into the murk, only to be replaced by other pulses running at different tempi, giving the impression of wheels within wheels within wheels.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Pit-a-pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pit-a-pat. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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