as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
on the issue of raising taxes the governor stands pat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in perfectly
without any flaws or errors
after months of practicing for the competition, the cheerleaders have their moves down pat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pat
Steven Litt, cleveland, 12 Jan. 2023
The ending is not pat, nor fully happy.
—Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune, 30 Oct. 2020
Multiple Authors, House Beautiful, 1 May 2010
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Trump introduced Musk to the crown prince, patting his ally on the back while the three men chatted for a few minutes.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
There’s a 1785 pastel portrait by Irish artist Hugh Douglas Hamilton, depicting the English bon-vivant ex-pat, George Clavering Cowper, the 3rd Earl Cowper, who spent his adulthood in Italy as a patron of science and the arts.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 12 Jan. 2023
The ending is not pat, nor fully happy.
—Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune, 30 Oct. 2020
Adverb
When the grill is nice and hot, pat dry the scallops with a paper towel.
—Multiple Authors, House Beautiful, 1 May 2010
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Rinse and dry: After applying cleanser to your face, rinse with warm water and gently pat your skin dry without rubbing.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Trump introduced Musk to the crown prince, patting his ally on the back while the three men chatted for a few minutes.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
Still, the stubborn media silence continued unabated.—
Nate Rogers,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
Adverb
-
Republicans say their tactics are perfectly fair because Ohio has moved right over the past decade.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
-
There’s something so photo-realistic about it— think biting into a perfectly ripe plum.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
30 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
-
Following Meghan's statements, Eldridge is adamant that her relatable role isn't convincing.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
29 May 2025
-
In early previews and pre-release memos, the developers have been adamant that, despite targeting a more casual audience with some more forgiving elements, this is meant to be enjoyed by people who have spent hundreds of hours in the main game and its 2024 expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
After stroking a century at Perth in November as India captured the first Test, the legendary batsman then succumbed to uncertainty and the relentless probing of Pat Cummins’ team, scoring only 104 more runs in the next seven innings.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
Winner: Tie Titles and Text Premiere offers Photoshop-like control over title text formatting, with a vast number of adjustments and fonts such as kerning, leading, rotation, shadow, stroking, and tracking, just to name a few.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Alternatively, seersucker remains a steadfast warm-weather favorite—especially for those who appreciate a touch of New England preppiness.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
The single combines the guitarist’s weighted influence with the música mexicana group’s steadfast ambition.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
Adverb
-
Photograph: Tyler Shane Elite Turkish Coffee $36 Amazon The Process Traditionally, finely ground Turkish coffee is mixed with water in a cezve, along with some sugar, depending on your preferences.—
Tyler Shane,
Wired News,
31 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, process almonds and flour in a food processor until nuts are finely ground.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
They obviously didn't get hugged enough as children –either of them.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Hand 103, Bethel, 102 ½. There was bedlam, Hand kids screaming and jumping and yelling and hugging each other.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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