as in caressing
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 patting
Keep your greens crisp by draining, rinsing, and patting them dry before using.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
At times, its puzzle-solving and chaotic arcade shooting felt like patting your head while rubbing your stomach.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The grip-and-grin handshakes, with Trump patting Putin’s hand in a gesture known to maître d’s everywhere.
—Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The energy commission’s report on power costs was even thinner gruel, mostly patting itself on the back for adopting standards for appliances and other power-using devices that reduced their demands.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Basil finds her owner and immediately starts patting her to throw the ball again.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Vang’s lawsuit Vang’s lawsuit, filed in February last year, states that a correctional officer at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center was patting Vang down during a booking on a DUI charge in 2022 when the officer lifted Vang’s foot and Vang lost his balance.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Bell shared photos on her Instagram Stories of the comedian joining her backstage, patting powder onto her cheeks.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
The two critics congratulated him, patting him amiably.
—Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
At times, its puzzle-solving and chaotic arcade shooting felt like patting your head while rubbing your stomach.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The grip-and-grin handshakes, with Trump patting Putin’s hand in a gesture known to maître d’s everywhere.
—Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The energy commission’s report on power costs was even thinner gruel, mostly patting itself on the back for adopting standards for appliances and other power-using devices that reduced their demands.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Basil finds her owner and immediately starts patting her to throw the ball again.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Vang’s lawsuit Vang’s lawsuit, filed in February last year, states that a correctional officer at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center was patting Vang down during a booking on a DUI charge in 2022 when the officer lifted Vang’s foot and Vang lost his balance.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Bell shared photos on her Instagram Stories of the comedian joining her backstage, patting powder onto her cheeks.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
The two critics congratulated him, patting him amiably.
—Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patting
Verb
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The singer was spotted in pictures shared to social media, gently caressing the baby bump of his romantic partner.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
-
No one wants to follow an ego-stroking social media account with zero content value.—
Peter Boyd,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
In the black-and-white video, Kelly could be seen holding his baby's hand, stroking her fingers.—
Sarah Jones,
People.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patting. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share