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
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
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
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
arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for 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
Being great doesn't mean patting ourselves on the back while declaring our greatness.
—arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The matzo balls that come straight from the box are fluffy, and perfectly salty, and just easier to make.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Bamford’s run was perfectly timed, and his finish was slotted under Mark Travers.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 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
-
Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Joanne Fowler,
People.com,
1 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
Adjective
-
While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company’s commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast.—
Susanne Biro,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The administration's steadfast message in recent days has been that the tariffs were coming and there was no way out.—
Ben Berkowitz,
Axios,
7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Illness prevented Howe from being in the dugout, but his team maintained its finely tuned pressing and relentless counter-pressing in his absence.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
To shred the cabbage finely and cut the cucumber into ribbons, use a mandoline.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
There was the infamous time McMahon punished Triple H for hugging Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels in the center of the ring at a house show, breaking kayfabe when this was something wrestlers didn't do.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Shelby Bottoms Greenway An oasis in Music City, this five-mile walking trail hugs the Cumberland River.—
Eva Fedderly,
Architectural Digest,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share