pet 1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpet How to pronounce pet (audio)
Definition of petnext
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in pouts
a state of resentful silence or irritability the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

3 of 4

adjective

as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention spent my free time on my pet project

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

4 of 4

verb

as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner a cat who loves to be petted

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pet
Noun
Hyatt House Carlsbad is ideal for Hyatt pointsmaxxers or those traveling with pets or kiddos in tow. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 These snakes are popular pets, though experts caution against overexploitation caused by the unregulated pet trade. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Wolfe tagged the pet supply retailer for M & A activity, a CFO change earlier this year and the spread between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 There’s a dust brush to gather hair, pet fur, and dust from upholstery, a crevice tool to reach between couch cushions, and a wide, flat brush to give your sofa an even better once-over. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Invite friends to craft for a cause, from baby blankets for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to pet beds for animal rescues. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026 Three four-legged friends chilled along the Hudson River at the Hertz Gold Squad Hangout, clearly enjoying being petted by concert-goers taking in the music. — Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
  1. favorite
  2. pouts
  3. beloved
  4. pat
  5. darling
  6. loved
  7. stroke
  8. cherished
Noun
  • The customer favorite is forged from iron, polypropylene, and wood, and provides a haven from wind, rain, and sun.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The sound of the new album is lush and emotional, which Louris sees as an echo of the pop melodies of an earlier record, 1997’s Sound of Lies, a longtime fan favorite.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Interspersed with Mellencamp’s idiosyncratic views of himself were old press shots of the singer, many without a shirt or showcasing pouts and flexed biceps, that fit the song’s wry message.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026
  • So how, exactly, did these polka-dot pouts make their way onto the mood board?
    — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 25 June 2026
Definition of pouts
Adjective
  • The rollout that led up to it offers a useful case study in how to reintroduce a dormant but beloved act without leaning on nostalgia alone.
    — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The crowd stood and shared in the moving moment, bidding a beloved star farewell.
    — Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beloved
Verb
  • Edwards stood silently -- remaining in the well until Johnson left the rostrum, approached Edwards from behind and patted him on the back -- leading him up the aisle to the back of the chamber.
    — John Parkinson, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas and pat them dry (the key to getting them crispy).
    — Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of pat
Noun
  • The company adds some 30 to 60 movies to its catalog annually, most of them lost gems of world cinema, festival-circuit darlings, or old Hollywood hits.
    — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Small Prophets follows Quigley as the eccentric Michael Sleep (Quigley), an ordinary man who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has worked in a DIY store, while visiting his elderly dad Brian (Palin) and hoping for Clea to return.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An environmental consultant, Sorensen, 60, was deeply spiritual — conscious of and connected to the Earth, and her loved ones, in many ways.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of loved
Verb
  • Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders do not have the luxury of sitting in the corner contemplating their feelings or hoping someone will stroke their egos.
    — Chris Adams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • The cherished cult classic from 1985 is an ideal showcase for Curry’s impeccable physical humor and timing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With the gym restored, Gallatin Shalom Zone plans to double enrollment in its youth programs and introduce new sports leagues to keep children active and engaged year-round, while also preserving a cherished local landmark.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cherished

Phrases Containing pet

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pesty
pet
petcock
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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pet

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