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
Noah Berlatsky, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2022
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
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
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
As the last step, pat at the white satin sneakers with a paper towel, and leave them to dry overnight.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
The balance changes from story to story, and sometimes the genre conventions feel too pat, as genre conventions will.
—Noah Berlatsky, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2022
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
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
If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
As the last step, pat at the white satin sneakers with a paper towel, and leave them to dry overnight.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adverb
-
Paneer Masala Fries At Roots Indian Bistro in Los Angeles, a bold reimagining of California’s beloved animal-style fries, featuring perfectly crispy golden fries topped with generous chunks of creamy paneer cheese and marinated in an aromatic masala blend.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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Caramel and banana complement each other perfectly in this recipe submitted by Southern Living reader Mary Vail-Grube.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
The camera caresses her, slicing her body into limbs, arcs, glints of effort.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 July 2025
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Every single person who worked on the film caressed and massaged this sequence, including through post.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
11 July 2025
-
The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Facing two strikes, Ramírez stroked a single off reliever Jared Koenig into left field, bringing home two runs.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
-
In central Gaza, a boy stroked the face of his dead sister, 6-year-old Heba Abu Etiwi, in a morgue at Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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But Rosary’s goals and its place in the community have remained steadfast, school leadership says.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
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Accessibility and Sustainability Environmental care is one of Bitter End’s most steadfast values.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2025
Adverb
-
Her finely plucked, angled eyebrows, a burgeoning brow theme these days, harked back to the beauty aesthetics of the late ’80s and early ’90s, as did her bold red lip and shimmery purple shadow.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
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Meze claims the new headphones are finely balanced between musicality and refinement, offering a smooth blend of clarity and richness.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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These Good Standard straight-leg jeans fit just loose enough for plenty of comfort without feeling too baggy and feature a contoured design to hug your waist with a relaxed fit on the lower half.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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Michael Owen Baker/AP Photo Arturo Rangel hugs Judith Ramos whose father works at the greenhouse in the background as federal immigration agents block access during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.—
Amanda Castro
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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