as in favorites
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 pats
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 pets
Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
While no harm was done, the dog's refusal to be moved served as a reminder of how pets often view human comforts as their own.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
For high-traffic areas where shoes and pets are involved, Booth recommends vacuuming daily, spot cleaning as needed, and deep cleaning every other month.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
In Gray Dawn, Rawlins is settling into a new life with his detective agency, a remote home and his lovers, children and pets.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
—Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
From pet stores to hardware stores (with aisles as long as some street blocks), your dog will get in plenty of sniffs, pets, and some light exercise.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Microwave ovens, which came along much later, enjoyed more widespread ownership and usage, both above 90%, in spite of urban legends about how microwaves will explode your pets and lower sperm counts.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
While no harm was done, the dog's refusal to be moved served as a reminder of how pets often view human comforts as their own.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
For high-traffic areas where shoes and pets are involved, Booth recommends vacuuming daily, spot cleaning as needed, and deep cleaning every other month.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
In Gray Dawn, Rawlins is settling into a new life with his detective agency, a remote home and his lovers, children and pets.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
—Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
From pet stores to hardware stores (with aisles as long as some street blocks), your dog will get in plenty of sniffs, pets, and some light exercise.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pets
Noun
-
What two letters are favorites of pirates?—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Despite Alfred and Jefferson-Wooden being the clear favorites for gold in the 100-meter dash, there are a few others besides Fraser-Pryce who could spoil the party.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Penny pats Harry's snout and jumps at his face at home.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
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As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The group included darlings of the far right, the left, moderates and many in between.—
Leah Askarinam,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Software businesses that have been darlings of tech in past years are at risk of falling out of fashion with investors while AI models continue to develop and get better at writing code.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Henry brushes it off as a nightmare; after Bug moves on, Beauchamp strokes the medallion and sings himself to sleep.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
-
In the town’s maternity ward, the only functioning facility of its kind for miles, Taisiya strokes Assol, her daughter born Sunday into a world where suddenly the risks of being in Sloviansk have multiplied.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pets. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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