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
-
Jet fuel rolled down the street and the smell of it lingered in the air while authorities worked to extinguish one stubborn car fire that sent smoke billowing up.—
John Hanna,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
-
Of course, stubborn coach Tom Thibodeau went with his only play, a Jalen Brunson iso, while the starters huffed and puffed from playing nearly the entire game.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2025
Adverb
-
The resort is perfectly located for guests to take full advantage of the region’s famed outdoor adventures—hiking trails, mountain biking routes, world-class fly fishing, and premier skiing at nearby Bridger Bowl, Yellowstone National Park, and the Yellowstone River.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2025
-
Really, all Morgan Plus 8s are much the same, and promise a perfectly delightful driving experience, offering the most traditional British roadster traits in a car that can easily keep up in modern traffic.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Adverb
-
Plants bloom continuously from April until the first autumn frost, sending their bright blooms above low-growing mounds of finely cut foliage.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
-
Grabbing an obstacle with the manual controls isn't a quick process, as the system isn't finely tuned for precision.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
After the Mass, while meeting with dignitaries and world faith leaders, the pope broke protocol to hug his brother.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
-
The extra weight is believed to help calm the nervous system, mimicking the feeling of being hugged and promoting a sense of security and relaxation.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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