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
Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
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
Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025
Simply pat a pea-sized amount around your eye and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Adjective
But while the message is pat, the way it’s presented is poignant, thanks to an arresting lead performance from Gong, who manages a tricky balance of chilliness and charm.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2023
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
The use of police pat-downs declined as a result starting in late 2015, according to Cassell and Fowles.
—Salvador Rizzo, chicagotribune.com, 14 May 2018
Using a slotted spoon, transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool; pat dry.
—Bon Appetit, 14 May 2018
Verb
Deputies then patted him down and found a handgun and extra magazine in his pants, officials said.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025
Simply pat a pea-sized amount around your eye and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Inflation is stubborn, unemployment is rising and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has even confirmed that Gen Z grads just can’t get a break right now.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Clean With Vinegar And Dish Soap Dish soap cuts through grease and grime to make removing stubborn dirt easier.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Prettygarden One-Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress If you’re headed to a wedding this fall, don’t miss this dress that’s perfectly compact-chic—and currently 45% off.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In photos the pop superstar shared, Kelce could be seen down on one knee as Swift caressed his face during the intimate moment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But while much of record labels’ promotional efforts have shifted to platforms including TikTok, Shinedown has remained adamant about the importance of terrestrial radio.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In a 24/7 news cycle, Hemmer is adamant about balancing urgency with accuracy.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The biggest downside of the WWE maze was the stretch of blackout hallways of nothingness — a rarity in the otherwise always immaculately themed Horror Nights mazes.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a perk of his celebrity was ready to stroke his ego.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Wendy sits across from her and begins to stroke Lizzo’s palms with the tips of her aqua-and-pink acrylic nails.—
Allison P. Davis,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As each one of our kids left for college and then moved out on their own, Chewie remained right there like our steadfast companion.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
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To Mike Hopkins, your steadfast leadership has been instrumental in shaping Prime Video’s new vision and success.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Which is to say that All the President’s Men is a movie about process, and Redford, in one of his most enduring and finely tuned screen roles, holds its center—with Hoffman giving human form to that slow, ticking momentum.—
K. Austin Collins,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
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Turn mixer on medium or pulse food processor until chicken is finely shredded.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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