pet 1 of 4

as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

2 of 4

noun (2)

pet

3 of 4

adjective

pet

4 of 4

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pet
Noun
The tough reality here is that skipping care for our pets can have severe consequences. Aimee Gilbreath, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 They were brought here as pets, and then released by irresponsible owners. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
Adjective
How pet tracker technology works The technology works by identifying unique features of each animal — from eye shape and whisker length to unusual markings and tail curvature. Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025 Police said pet adoptions are expected to begin sometime next week, approximately Monday, April 21. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Near the big red barn and stables, toddlers were perched on a fence, petting mules. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025 Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides. Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • Not only is our favorite produce abundant at the farmers' market, but family cookouts and warm-weather gatherings with friends fill the calendar, giving the perfect opportunity to make certain beloved Southern recipes that feel fit for the season.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Many of his most beloved hits, featured heavily during the April 27 show, had not even been released at the time of that last show.
    Paul Albani-Burgio, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On the red carpet at the 76th EE BAFTA Film Awards in February 2023, Kate playfully patted William's butt with a light love tap.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Oh, and guys named John Elway, Dan Marino and Tom Brady were among others who patted the ball before throwing.
    Terence Moore, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But at the moment that Prima completed the unravelling of the braid and stroked her fingers through to the ends of her hair, Heiss stopped speaking.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • The singer announced the news on his Instagram with a video of himself and his newborn daughter, holding his baby girl's hand and sweetly stroking her fingers.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.
    James Factora, Them., 11 Apr. 2025
  • With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.
    Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This year, Journalism is viewed as the favorite, with other contenders such as Sovereignty and Sandman also in the mix.
    Javier Zarracina, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The pre-deadline additions of Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall rekindled the Hurricanes’ position as a favorite, but Rantanen’s prompt exit again pushed Carolina to under-the-radar status.
    Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • When a curious 6-year-old met a playful dolphin, their precious connection created pure magic.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Rallying since November 2024, the precious metal peaked at just over $3,500 on April 22.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Other special guests will include Del Water Gap, The Warning, Alvvays, Hope Tala, Sir Chloe, Royel Otis, Flowerovlove, Magdalena Bay, and Alemeda at select dates.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Another exciting idea is to use disposable cameras instead of phones to capture those special moments.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Allwood Timberline Cabin Tiny House caught our eye for a few noteworthy reasons, namely the darling front porch that’s perfect for lounging.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Your darling planetary ruler, Venus, is transiting the creative sign of Leo while shining a light on your 11th house of associations, community and sense of belonging in the world.
    Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!