pet 1 of 4

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

pet

2 of 4

noun (2)

pet

3 of 4

adjective

pet

4 of 4

verb

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
Noun
Flush outdoor faucets, hoses and water features if used for cooking, cleaning or pets. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025 Like any flooring, hardwoods get dirty from everyday foot traffic, spills, pets, and dust. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Offering pet benefits is a remote-friendly option that can not only support employee well-being but also ease the financial pressures of modern pet ownership that all generations face. Cerys Goodall, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Spray stains on your couch cushions or foam with an enzymatic cleaner that is designed to tackle urine (pet stores often sell these). Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
The children’s zoo — in addition to getting a new alligator — recently opened its Goat Interaction Yard where guests can walk into the goat enclosure to pet the animals. Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 18 July 2025 From left: Cebu is petted in the shelter kennel; and sits with Brielle Glumac after being saved. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • The victim’s granddaughter was attending a music festival in Pennsylvania when her mother called with the tragic news of her beloved grandmother’s death.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The success was driven by nostalgia, curiosity around what happened to the beloved characters, and most of the original actors reprising their roles, with on-set chemistry and camaraderie enriched by time.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • This Carnival connoisseur patted herself on the back many times for that sage decision.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In addition, Holt is an avid supporter of the Go Red for Women campaign, the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In the black-and-white video, Kelly could be seen holding his baby daughter's hand, stroking her fingers.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pulling out the rocket launcher Mac had bought him on the dark web, Dennis was genuinely overcome, caressing his bucket-list war weapon in stunned gratitude, while Mac beamed in what, on any other show, would be heartwarming friendship.
    Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • The drives summoned by Gill and KL Rahul have been things of beauty, caressing the ball to the fence with such effortless ease.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 8 July 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, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The flavor profiles include vanilla bean, strawberry, and mango–all tasty on their own or added to your favorite smoothie.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Because pilots have become such a precious resource, integral to defending the infantry, Ukraine is working to relocate as many of them as possible away from the frontlines to integrated remote operations.
    ERIC SCHMIDT, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
  • These precious spaces, from Niagara Falls to Harlem’s Riverbank State Park — connect communities, foster environmental justice, and ensure equal access to nature for all — regardless of ZIP code or income.
    Paul Steely White, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The latest episode comes out at 6 p.m. Wednesday and includes special guest Taylor Swift, the superstar singer who is dating Travis Kelce.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Governors of both states would need to call special legislative sessions to have the legislature redraw the maps.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Osbournes are truly animal lovers, and perhaps the most darling part of the series was how nearly every scene had at least one of the family’s many dogs or cats sniffing around.
    Maya Salam, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Who wouldn’t buy anything O’Connor, with his darling secret smile, tells them?
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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