pitter-patter

verb

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
  1. throb
  2. beat
  3. pulse
Verb
  • The first is pique, a sharp, vinegary hot sauce that throbs with the heat of Thai chiles.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • There have been plenty of times when my feet throbbed after hours of sightseeing.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026
Definition of throb
Verb
  • So there’s something really cathartic about watching Ulf — the lowliest, most base, comedic and ludicrous of all the Targaryens and dragonriders — beating him.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Crowley urged Democrats to come together after the primary to beat Tiffany.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Verb
  • The top also features a power button, a Wi-Fi indicator, and an LED indicator that pulses green during charging, shines solid green when the battery is fully charged, or blue when the battery is running low.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Wearables use temperature sensors, accelerometers, light sensors and photoplethysmography (PPG), which pulses light through the skin to measure blood flow, heart rate and approximate blood oxygen.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of pulse
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

pitted
pitter-patter
pitter-pattered
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Cite this Entry

“Pitter-patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitter-patter. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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