as in throbs
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-patters
Verb
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My boredom typically spurs feelings of frustration, guilt, shame—and long nutritionless spells of goggling, slack-jawed, at celebrity news on my phone while the world throbs around me.—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026 -
Pain that is not a word throbs in his shoulders, awakens him each morning.—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There will also be a DJ serving beats the entire weekend and an invitation-only afterparty on Saturday and Sunday.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
13 Mar. 2026
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Even if adjustments become necessary later, thoughtful action beats hesitation.—
Fazila Shahid,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Taken from a Kamikaze menu Garcia created for Huerta’s birthday, the tom yum aguachile vibrates with heat under a canopy of fresh tortilla chips shaped like half moons.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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There is a high whistling sound of wind rushing through the room, and the glass vibrates slightly.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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San Antonio often gets labeled as a retirement town, but don’t let that fool you—the city pulses with youth and energy.—
Kat Stinson,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2026
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The village pulses with a ton of energy, and the restaurant and après scene are also top-notch.—
Brent Rose,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pitter-patters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitter-patters. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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