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pit-a-patting

verb

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pit-a-patting
  1. throbbing
  2. beating
  3. vibrating
  4. pulsing
Verb
  • Just two days later, Aitia was sitting in class when his newly pierced ear began throbbing with pain.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
  • No sweating, throbbing headache and skin that’s hot, red and dry are signs of heatstroke.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of throbbing
Verb
  • Data from the firm shows that, from 1991 through 2025, firms trading at more than 20 times earnings have a mixed track record at delivering inflation-beating returns over the subsequent 10 years.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • And amazingly, though perhaps not surprisingly, Zverev has been able to collect those two trophies without beating either Alcaraz or Sinner all year.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of beating
Verb
  • Although made of natural materials, these early instruments were played by vibrating the lips to send air into and through a hollow opening—the defining characteristic of a brass instrument.
    — Kara Rogers, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Accessibility There are several accessible guest rooms in the hotel—these have step-free showers, assistance alarms, grab bars, and visual, sound and vibrating alarm systems.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of vibrating
Verb
  • Blood streamed through his veins, pulsing inside him, like a ticking time bomb.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Stream in the buttermilk while pulsing and pulse just enough to bring the dough together.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of pulsing
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

pit-a-patted
pit-a-patting
pit bull
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Cite this Entry

“Pit-a-patting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pit-a-patting. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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