pet 1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpet How to pronounce pet (audio)
Definition of petnext
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in pouts
a state of resentful silence or irritability the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

3 of 4

adjective

as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention spent my free time on my pet project

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

4 of 4

verb

as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner a cat who loves to be petted

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 pet
Noun
The report said people also seem to be traveling with their pets more and more, with pet accessories being a more common sight in lost luggage. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 After the 2025 Oscars aired on March 2, pets across the globe seemed to weigh in on their favorite projects as well. — Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Only use manure from livestock and to not add pet waste or human manure to standard composting systems. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025 Flay isn't the only celebrity stepping into the pet food space. — Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Wong sat with Toffee and started petting her. — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 If a person is petting a cat or dog, Waqar suggests thoroughly washing hands with soap and water. — Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
  1. beloved
  2. pat
  3. stroke
  4. caress
  5. favorite
  6. precious
  7. special
  8. darling
Adjective
  • In March, Chopra attended a preview performance of the beloved Jason Robert Brown musical, gushing about it on her Instagram page.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • North, who was cast on the beloved CBS sitcom at only 6 years old, died on April 6 following a battle with cancer.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of beloved
Verb
  • Standing in the pen behind the bull, Glass makes kissing noises and pats the animal’s rump for encouragement, while Scalisi stands ready, hand on the chute’s lever.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Two of the tougher-looking recruits behind me thought this was funny, and one patted me on the back.
    — Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of pat
Verb
  • 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.
    — Kayla Grant, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Looking very Zen and somewhat Gwynn, the slugger stroked three singles in going to right field, center field and left field.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.
    — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Breaths that came as strong as fingers caressed me, travelling the length of me, beginning to tease and probe.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of caress
Adjective
  • Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Kosinski’s favorite part of the women’s art exhibition has been getting to know the artists and discovering how connected the local art community is to one another.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of favorite
Adjective
  • But wells and access to aquifer water are increasingly precious with population growth and rising demand for water.
    — Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Their thick skin ensures that this precious juice is the fruit itself has a strong coat of armor to protect it during packing, shipping, and making the trip from the store to your kitchen.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of precious
Adjective
  • Lawmakers can call themselves back to the Capitol in Boise for special sessions with a petition signed by at least 60% of the House and Senate.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Red Bull hosted a special experience titled Red Bull Mirage at Coachella Weekend 1.
    — Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of special
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
Definition of darling

Phrases Containing pet

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pesty
pet
petcock
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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Nglish: Translation of pet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pet

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