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
Melissa Clark, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Both before and after each use, use warm water and soap to wash it, then pat it dry.
—Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Feb. 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
Just throw them in a colander and run water over them to defrost, and then pat them dry before adding to the pan.
—Melissa Clark, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Both before and after each use, use warm water and soap to wash it, then pat it dry.
—Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Another type of hyperpigmentation that kojic acid can help with is melasma—a stubborn and hard-to-treat skin condition characterized by splotchy, brown or grayish patches.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Gaga’s focus on art is perfectly fitting for Libra’s charming aesthetic.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Instead, use a spoon to break it into perfectly imperfect pieces.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appétit,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
On Valentines Day, Rihanna sat with Mayers during another break, gently caressing his cheek while the couple sat on a courtroom bench, surrounded by beefy security guards.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Sultry music is played to set the tone while staff gently introduces attendees to pleasurable sensations—tracing soft touches along their thighs, caressing their décolleté with silky fur, or running fingers through their hair, as well as decorating them with flowers and crystals.—
Aubree Nichols,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Warner was adamant that oppressors should be stopped not only using military force, but also with intellectual muscle and dialogue.—
Chris Yogerst / Made by History,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
-
House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who championed the law in 2022, has been adamant that mandatory financial reserves for building maintenance are essential in preventing another building from crumbling to the ground.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Once, at a zoo, she and her children had been invited to stroke a boa constrictor.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
-
On the ensuing point, Medvedev ended a rally by stroking a two-handed backhand wide, bringing Tien to match point.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Many in the department remain steadfast that Mercado should be disciplined — or at least removed from the prestigious investigative unit.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2025
-
As a family, our focus remains steadfast on celebrating Doom’s extraordinary legacy—his unparalleled artistry and his lasting impact on music and culture.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
Dou’s finely detailed account of the 2018 detention of Ren’s daughter Meng Wanzhou in Canada, and the evidentiary paper trail supporting accusations of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud, is particularly vivid.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The striker fired a shot over the bar from close range, missing an open goal and failing to give his side the lead with the game finely poised at 2-2. Slot was disappointed with the miss, but was left frustrated by the Uruguay international performance afterwards.—
James Pearce,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Cena, the 16-time world champion, hugged Rhodes, only to eerily smirk at The Rock while displaying a throat slash gesture.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Cena hugged him, but then followed a signal from the Rock to attack.—
Shaheem Reid,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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