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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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Recent Examples of pat
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
But while the message is pat, the way it’s presented is poignant, thanks to an arresting lead performance from Gong, who manages a tricky balance of chilliness and charm.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 21 Sep. 2025
Canales patted his head and tried to say something to him, but Young kept walking, then angrily slammed his helmet down.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
Unlike her wryly astute essays, the playwright scarcely reckons with the thorny nuances of mourning, and instead settles for a rather pat depiction of grief.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
But while the message is pat, the way it’s presented is poignant, thanks to an arresting lead performance from Gong, who manages a tricky balance of chilliness and charm.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
Adverb
The use of police pat-downs declined as a result starting in late 2015, according to Cassell and Fowles.
—Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Mariota was seen checking on Quinn and later patted blood from his face with a towel.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 21 Sep. 2025
Canales patted his head and tried to say something to him, but Young kept walking, then angrily slammed his helmet down.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Both options meant navigating some stubborn supporters.—
Kevin Coulson,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Daria stared at the arrangement of perfectly circular reddish bruises on the woman’s back, exposed by her halter top.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
-
So, spending your free time on a massive project for your crush seems perfectly reasonable.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
To their credit, Wild GM Bill Guerin and owner Craig Leipold were adamant that wasn’t going to happen and got a deal done.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
His family, as well as his legal team, are adamant that Combs has been rehabilitated and should be released.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden is one of the most gorgeous and immaculately constructed films ever made, and that attention to detail extends to the scene in which the titular helpmeet Sook-Hee (Kim Tae-ri) uses a lollipop to teach Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee) how to kiss.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Due to the region’s mercurial weather, the vessels have remained immaculately preserved in the cold, deep waters.—
Nicholas DeRenzo,
AFAR Media,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While fans and pundits stroke their chins and ponder Arsenal’s attacking alchemy, their defensive record is perhaps taken for granted.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Since trading for Mitchell in the summer of 2022, Cleveland has held steadfast in the belief that its contention window truly opens when Mobley is up for it.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Directed by Landon fresh off his fantastic Happy Death Day films, this body-swapping gem showcases finely tuned performances from both Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Sprinkle finely grated semisweet chocolate evenly over top of cake.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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