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
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
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
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
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
Adverb
-
Bridal clutches or small shoulder bags are hero items that be can carried post-ceremony to perfectly compliment any outfit, while also serving as an emergency carry-all.—
Sarah Zendejas,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2025
-
He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
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
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
Verb
-
Golfers use these metal clubs for stroking the ball into the hole.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Winner: Photoshop Text, Shapes, Drawing, and 3D Photoshop’s text capabilities are deep, with options like glow, stroking, and even glyph editing (changing parts of characters).—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Seven years later, Trump remains steadfast in his support of the act, giving advocates on both sides of the aisle a sense of cautious optimism about the possibility of more reform.—
Taylor Millard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
-
In many ways, however, the tradition and Peterson’s dedication to it remain steadfast.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
The data won’t pile up like copies of The New Yorker; instead, through chemical computing, the information will be finely searchable and analyzable.—
Matthew Hutson,
The New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The athlete could also be seen hugging his two sons and walking with an arm around his daughter, with the three siblings later posing with their family in a group shot.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
After the buzzer sounded, Pope ran over to hug his wife, Lee Anne, and kissed his daughters near the bench before running off to a TV interview.—
Jesse Temple,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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