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
Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune, 30 Oct. 2020
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 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
Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Key ingredients: Dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, gardenia florida fruit extract, sacred lotus flower extract, Nymphaea odorata root extract
Finish: Matte/Radiant
Shades: 13
How to apply: Apply one dot on each cheek and use your fingertips to gently pat the blush into the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
The ending is not pat, nor fully happy.
—Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune, 30 Oct. 2020
Houston's likely route this February is likely to stand relatively pat, with a Gordon trade (don't hold your breath waiting on a major haul in return) as the only deal on the immediate horizon.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Feb. 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
Eight days ago, at the very moment when Trump was patting French President Emmanuel Macron on the back at the White House, the United States voted at the United Nations with Russia and North Korea against the Europeans demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops.
—Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Key ingredients: Dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, gardenia florida fruit extract, sacred lotus flower extract, Nymphaea odorata root extract
Finish: Matte/Radiant
Shades: 13
How to apply: Apply one dot on each cheek and use your fingertips to gently pat the blush into the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The matzo balls that come straight from the box are fluffy, and perfectly salty, and just easier to make.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
But for something well-rounded, ideally appointment and perfectly located, this is easily the best stay in the city.—
Christopher Cameron,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Breaths that came as strong as fingers caressed me, travelling the length of me, beginning to tease and probe.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Joanne Fowler,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
An inning earlier, Contreras stroked an RBI double to left for his first hit of the season to score Masyn Winn, and Lars Nootbaar scored on shortstop Nicky Lopez’s errant throw to tie the game at 5-all.—
Iliana Limón Romero,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The Gators managed to get runners on the base in the fifth when second baseman Mia Williams stroked a single down the left-field line to open the inning.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the shifting sands in the content marketplace, Mayer assured the crowd of industry insiders that Blackrock remains steadfast in its Candle investment.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Despite growing exhaustion, Booker remained steadfast, sustaining himself with only water as his voice grew stronger with emotion.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
This gives the Clarity 5K display 218 pixels per inch, which is as finely detailed as one of Apple’s desktop Retina displays.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Use a microplane or a garlic press to finely grate the garlic into a medium bowl.—
Vicky Hallett,
NPR,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.—
Time,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Ovechkin then hugged team equipment and training staff on the bench and went through a handshake line with the Islanders as crew members set up for the 895 ceremony.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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