pitter-patter

Definition of pitter-patternext
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner his heart pitter-pattered with excitement as he waited for the right moment to propose

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitter-patter
Verb
  • My calves and thighs often throbbed, my waist ached and my knees swelled.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The piece has to throb and, well, that is not the first verb that comes to mind in director Jonathan Butterell’s production, with all due respect for the sincerity of the effort and the intermittent effectiveness of the storytelling.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Bryson Stott's three-run homer highlighted Philadelphia's eight-run outburst in the ninth inning and the Phillies rallied to beat the Washington Nationals 14-9 on Tuesday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Rather than be benched, Devers batted cleanup, overcame an 0-for-3 start, and singled up the middle in the seventh to score Bryce Eldridge, who narrowly beat a tag at the plate for a 3-1 lead.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The second album this year from metalcore pioneers Converge is named for a mysterious, pulsing, low-frequency ambient drone, likened by those who hear it to a diesel engine, an idling airplane, or a kind of inescapable torture.
    Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026
  • Apply an ice pack to pulse points on the neck and wrists, and behind knees to cool off quickly.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 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

“Pitter-patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitter-patter. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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