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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pit-a-patting
Verb
  • Even with a relatively small sample size, the anomaly stuck out like a giant, red, throbbing sore thumb — a favorite gag in animation.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Amongst those, the director highlights cinematographer Cris Neira — who worked in Cinemascope inspired by the work of Sergio Leone — and young musician Xenia, who wrote the film’s throbbing techno score after being approached by the director.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, that’s Lane Kiffin adapting by becoming a basketball goal (while also adapting by beating Arkansas 41-35 with Division II Ferris State transfer Trinidad Chambliss stepping in for Austin Simmons at QB).
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Both sides have also carried out arbitrary detentions, with SAF interrogating and beating dozens of Christians in 2024 and 2025.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Microneedling is a treatment that uses thin, vibrating needles to puncture your skin.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Rodríguez’s phone is vibrating, shaking the bottle and glasses, though the chicharrones don’t move.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For decades, Ibiza has been drawing free spirits, New Age wellness seekers, and party people who keep its clubs pulsing until dawn.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And when the sun dips, 12th Knot takes over—a Gatsby-esque rooftop lounge pulsing with DJ sets, seasonal cocktails, and panoramic views that sweep from St Paul’s to Canary Wharf.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 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.

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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 15 Sep. 2025.

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