pat 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of patnext
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion on the issue of raising taxes the governor stands pat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pat

2 of 3

adverb

as in perfectly
without any flaws or errors after months of practicing for the competition, the cheerleaders have their moves down pat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pat

3 of 3

verb

as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner affectionately patted the baby on the head

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pat
Adjective
The ending is not pat, nor fully happy. — Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune, 30 Oct. 2020 Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon. — Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 2023
Adverb
When the grill is nice and hot, pat dry the scallops with a paper towel. — Multiple Authors, House Beautiful, 1 May 2010 Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry. — Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Eight days ago, at the very moment when Trump was patting French President Emmanuel Macron on the back at the White House, the United States voted at the United Nations with Russia and North Korea against the Europeans demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops. — Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025 Key ingredients: Dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, gardenia florida fruit extract, sacred lotus flower extract, Nymphaea odorata root extract Finish: Matte/Radiant Shades: 13 How to apply: Apply one dot on each cheek and use your fingertips to gently pat the blush into the skin. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
  1. stubborn
  2. perfectly
  3. caress
  4. adamant
  5. stroke
  6. steadfast
  7. finely
  8. hug
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adverb
  • Amazon These perfectly sized speakers will bring a rich, clear sound to your desktop.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • His perfectly legal torpedo bats have barrels closer to the handle and have appeared in the hands of current Yankees Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Wells, Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of perfectly
Verb
  • Kelly wrote in the caption of the post, which showed his hand caressing the baby's fingers.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Hadid was seen kissing, cradling, and caressing her fragrance, Orebella, in the scent Salted Muse.
    — Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of caress
Adjective
  • Nobody’s shooting on this season’s Longhorns would be mistaken for Stephen Curry’s, but Schaefer is adamant that this group stands out among his 20-year head-coaching career.
    — Ben Pickman, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Still, Jenkins was adamant about not moving to the city.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of adamant
Verb
  • An inning earlier, Contreras stroked an RBI double to left for his first hit of the season to score Masyn Winn, and Lars Nootbaar scored on shortstop Nicky Lopez’s errant throw to tie the game at 5-all.
    — Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Gators managed to get runners on the base in the fifth when second baseman Mia Williams stroked a single down the left-field line to open the inning.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • Despite growing exhaustion, Booker remained steadfast, sustaining himself with only water as his voice grew stronger with emotion.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the shifting sands in the content marketplace, Mayer assured the crowd of industry insiders that Blackrock remains steadfast in its Candle investment.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adverb
  • This gives the Clarity 5K display 218 pixels per inch, which is as finely detailed as one of Apple’s desktop Retina displays.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Use a microplane or a garlic press to finely grate the garlic into a medium bowl.
    — Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of finely
Verb
  • My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.
    — Time, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Durango sits tucked into a valley of the San Juan Mountains, hugging the long and strong Animas River.
    — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of hug

Phrases Containing pat

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pasty
pat
patch
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Cite this Entry

“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pat

Nglish: Translation of pat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pat

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