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
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
In fact, the NYC preview event even had briskets on the menu in honor of the pet who wasn't able to attend the event in person.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025
Flay isn't the only celebrity stepping into the pet food space.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
During the pandemic, when visiting in person wasn’t an option, cyber petting became popular.
—Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
After sending payments through a money transfer the would-be buyers failed to see their pets and were unable to get their money back.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
In fact, the NYC preview event even had briskets on the menu in honor of the pet who wasn't able to attend the event in person.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Only use manure from livestock and to not add pet waste or human manure to standard composting systems.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025
Flay isn't the only celebrity stepping into the pet food space.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The shot showed the Duchess of Sussex sitting on the grass in a garden and petting her family dog, Momma Mia.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
During the pandemic, when visiting in person wasn’t an option, cyber petting became popular.
—Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
-
In March, Chopra attended a preview performance of the beloved Jason Robert Brown musical, gushing about it on her Instagram page.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
North, who was cast on the beloved CBS sitcom at only 6 years old, died on April 6 following a battle with cancer.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Remove 2 cups of the shrimp mixture from bag; drain and pat dry.—
Liz Mervosh,
Southern Living,
26 Mar. 2025
-
But that’s too pat a way of describing something so slippery and alive.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
An inning earlier, Contreras stroked an RBI double to left for his first hit of the season to score Masyn Winn, and Lars Nootbaar scored on shortstop Nicky Lopez’s errant throw to tie the game at 5-all.—
Iliana Limón Romero,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The Gators managed to get runners on the base in the fifth when second baseman Mia Williams stroked a single down the left-field line to open the inning.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 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
-
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Kosinski’s favorite part of the women’s art exhibition has been getting to know the artists and discovering how connected the local art community is to one another.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Actual samples of lunar regolith are rare and precious, and therefore simulants, which aim to replicate different types of regolith, are used for experiments instead.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Government spending is the central planning of precious resources.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What makes her special is that while in the NCAA, Nugent frequently competed in the 100-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash, earning several All-American honors in both events.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
What made this moment truly special was the surprise visit from Ingram’s grandma, which left the new mom in tears.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
3 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 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share