pit-a-patting

present participle of pit-a-pat
as in throbbing
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner her heart pit-a-patted with surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pit-a-patting
Verb
  • Over ominous, throbbing music, the lights start flashing, the tension starts building, and then, finally, Godzilla enters from stage right.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Nothing except my ankle, which was throbbing painfully.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With mixer on medium speed, gradually add heavy cream, 1/2 cup at a time, beating until combined after each addition, 1 to 2 minutes total.
    Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • On Saturday, that meant beating the Syracuse Orange 38-10 at Hard Rock Stadium.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The whole place was vibrating from the power of the storm.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Some doctors use numbing cream, a vibrating tool, or a dental block to help reduce in-the-moment pain.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At Chute Eleven, DJs spin pulsing tracks and champagne flows generously inside a yurt.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Tramel conversationally chants as pulsing synths flare and wild guitar blares.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pit-a-patting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pit-a-patting. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!