as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of pet
Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Anyone who’s ever had a pet has spent countless hours staring into the animal’s beady eyes, scrutinizing every micro-twitch and squint in hopes of interpreting what the creature might be thinking.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2025
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 21 May 2025
The late actress Jayne Mansfield became a regular at the Cannes Film Festival in the 1950s and ‘60s, sometimes photographed on the Croisette with her husband, Mickey Hargitay, and on at least one occasion accompanied by her pet pooch.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 May 2025
N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Research has shown that petting a dog has benefits such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting heart health.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Noun
The device, which was only available for developers, allowed people to play with virtual pets, conjure up images with a voice command or swing a virtual golf club.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Anyone who’s ever had a pet has spent countless hours staring into the animal’s beady eyes, scrutinizing every micro-twitch and squint in hopes of interpreting what the creature might be thinking.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2025
Adjective
In October 2024, Irwin, a pet red kangaroo in Durango, Colorado, made headlines by leading a trail of Durango Police Department officers on a winding chase through his neighborhood after escaping from his home, per ABC affiliate Denver 7.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 21 May 2025
The late actress Jayne Mansfield became a regular at the Cannes Film Festival in the 1950s and ‘60s, sometimes photographed on the Croisette with her husband, Mickey Hargitay, and on at least one occasion accompanied by her pet pooch.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
Always ask for permission before petting a stranger's dog and be aware a dog may not want to interact with you, the AVMA recommended.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Research has shown that petting a dog has benefits such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting heart health.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
-
The 2013 death of James Gandolfini pretty much put to rest any possibility the beloved gangster series would someday be revived.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
-
Just in time for National Prosecco Week (June 24–30), the Prosecco DOC Consortium is raising awareness for this beloved wine through in-store promotions, restaurant events, and tastings across the U.S., including a recent Raleigh, North Carolina event hosted by Master of Wine Sheri Morano.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Sprinkle spice mixture on both sides of ribs, gently patting to coat.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
-
The show lives in these blue-collar pockets of ‘flyover America,’ but doesn’t make a big deal about it or pat itself on the back.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Interacting with a pet, such as stroking them, can ease the mind and boost the sense of tranquility.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
His purpose is solely to stroke his outsized, narcissistic ego to compete with other authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
The oversized and plush applicator caresses every curve of your smile for a smooth, high-shine finish, minus the stickiness.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
18 May 2025
-
The monologue touches Ellie, who caresses her girlfriend’s face.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
-
The linen-blend pants have become a shopper favorite, and more than 1,000 of them were purchased this month, according to Amazon.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
The precious moment a boy with cerebral palsy managed to blow out his own birthday candle has gone viral online.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
-
Commodity Funds: 19 Best Buys These are the most cost-efficient funds holding either commodity futures or precious metals.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Monday is when scheduled events at the cemetery include a concert by the United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from special guests.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
So when most kids were enrolling in third grade, Alisa was enrolled in community college, as a special student, in spring 2023.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Who wouldn’t buy anything O’Connor, with his darling secret smile, tells them?—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
23 May 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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