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

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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
Extra clean water is also helpful in the event a pet is exposed to flood waters or other risky conditions, such as an area with chemicals. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 This is especially handy with family videos, pets and sporting events where the best moment can disappear almost instantly. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Coffee spills, muddy shoes, pet mishaps, and everyday messes don’t have to turn into decorating disasters. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 Here's what pet owners can do to prepare before conditions worsen. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Kenzie assumed the creature was a type of legless lizard native to Europe and started petting it. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 But perhaps no animal is more beloved than Cheeto, an orange cat who lives near the university’s physics department and is the regular subject of doting and petting from students. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 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 colorful beaded versions at Carolina Herrera were a favorite of mine.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Bergs converted his first match point with a ninth ace to beat the tournament favorite in the biggest win of his career.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Most of the time, Mark just flails, complains, and pouts like a giant baby, and Affleck’s twitchy, rapid-fire delivery can’t give the character any life or depth.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of pouts
Adjective
  • There has been a tremendous amount of recent development in Chelsea, but, ever the story in New York City, as beloved old places close their doors, new favorites emerge.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Customers will find the usual array of irresistible doughnuts, including DK’s beloved maple bacon bar.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of beloved
Verb
  • In 2022, the paparazzi leaked photos of the two holding hands, nestled into each other at a New York bar, and Holmes patting Robach on the rear.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • And, like with Quincosa, a Customs agent patted Castillo down and found multiple plastic tubes covered in tape concealed under his pants.
    — David Goodhue October 7, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pat
Noun
  • Very often, my darling husband Steven will quietly deliver a sandwich to my desk.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Our favorite dress picks have a variety of styles and versatile features, like darling ruffles, cinching waistlines, and trending silhouettes.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Friends and loved ones are mourning the man who fell to his death Monday while riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
    — Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Win or lose, a candidate’s campaign will consume their life and their loved ones’; a victory guarantees their life will change forever.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of loved
Verb
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Charli even stroked the bathroom hand dryer — a clever reference to everybody’s favorite scene in Desperately Seeking Susan.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of stroke
Adjective
  • Atlanta Public Schools extended condolences to Kariem's family, friends and loved ones, describing him as a cherished member of the school and district communities.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The pair are swept into outdoor adventures and cherished camp traditions, where an unforgettable group of Camp Rangers remind them that success is not always about accomplishments and sparks begin to fly on all levels as things do not go to plan.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pet

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