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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pet

3 of 4

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
In this example, the results now include our story about Swift and Kelce’s pets—cats Olivia Benson, Meredith Grey, and Benjamin Button, and their white Samoyed dog—allegedly fighting after their July 3 wedding. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 13 Aug. 2026 As Southern California continues to deal with hot and humid summers, a Los Angeles veterinarian is offering tips and tricks on how dog parents can keep their pets safe and hydrated. — Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
No documentarian has a better eye for intriguing oddballs than Errol Morris, who built his feature film career on drawing them out in conversation, from pet-cemetery owners in Gates of Heaven to small-town eccentrics in Vernon, Florida. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 Bearwise tips for dealing with bears at home include, never to feed or approach a bear, secure food, garbage and recycling, remove bird feeders, never leave pet food outdoors and clean and store grills. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
The actor stars in a new social media advertisement for the brand, in which he is shown playing the guitar, looking out on the beach and petting a dog. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 Supervise pets outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas, and keep dogs from sniffing or chewing plants on trails and sidewalks. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 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
  • Shields, undefeated at 18-0, is the heavy favorite despite being the challenger against Scott (5-1-1), who secured her belts last December.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The leader of anti-immigration party Reform UK is running in an election as the incumbent favorite, and his main opponent is a man dressed as a garbage can.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 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
  • DeLeo and her family were spending Saturday at home preparing for their nephew’s 4th birthday party, one day before they were supposed to drive to Uniontown for the funeral of their beloved aunt, when the alert about the fire came.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The beloved comfort shoe has become a styling staple for those who know that the coolest looks are often the ones that feel effortless.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of beloved
Verb
  • Drake also used the opening portion of the stream to reflect on his recent releases, patting himself on the back a little for dropping three projects at once.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • All of this isn’t just Hollywood patting itself on the back, by the way, a self-congratulation that doesn’t make a peep outside the echo chamber/Peacock Theater.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of pat
Noun
  • Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma stars Hannah Einbinder, veteran of the Emmy-darling Hacks series opposite Jean Smart.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Cotswolds have been the darling of British summertime for many years, popular with Londoners looking to escape city life.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • This feeling also ripples throughout the community, casting a shadow on fellow classmates, family and loved ones.
    — Narmeen Khan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Though the teens have been identified by families and loved ones as those in the Grand Junction community share memories and rally around those left behind.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 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 Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archwell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the doc about one of America’s most cherished rituals, Girl Scout Cookie season.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • His return ensures continuity for fans of the annual tournament and allows Ravech to maintain a cherished assignment despite significant professional changes.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Nglish: Translation of pet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pet

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