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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention
spent my free time on my pet project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Add a personalized item like a pet tag or picture frame.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
People can also pet snakes and other reptiles in the on-site petting zoo.
—Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Pooch Parade: May 3 This ultimate pet party starts at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool and winds along a 2.6-mile route through San Antonio’s Alamo Heights Neighborhood.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Add a personalized item like a pet tag or picture frame.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
People can also pet snakes and other reptiles in the on-site petting zoo.
—Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
-
At Elimination Chamber 2025, Cena executed a shocking heel turn, aligning with The Rock and attacking Cody Rhodes, a dramatic shift after nearly two decades as a beloved babyface.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
-
After two long years, Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler are back on screen together — and the beloved duo didn't miss a beat!—
Alex Ross,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
After being mobbed by his team-mates, Van Dijk patted the badge on his shirt in front of the Kop and then planted a kiss on it, to rapturous acclaim.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Cue chill Schmidt, patting away on his handheld drum without a care in the world.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2025
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
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
Adjective
-
Everybody's favorite socially awkward evil couple, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), are doing terrible things for the Imperial Security Bureau, while Luthen and Cassian try to help the nascent rebellion movement on the planet.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Now, fan favorite Andor, a rather bleak look at the rebellion from the perspective of Rogue One’s sacrificial hero Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), is coming back for a big, bold, second season.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This one gives a result in under three seconds, allowing the oven or grill door to be quickly closed again without much precious heat escaping.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The precious metal is now up nearly 29% in the year so far.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
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
-
Typically, a Seder plate is made up for the special gathering and contains six parts that symbolize Exodus.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 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
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share