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
arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Standing in the pen behind the bull, Glass makes kissing noises and pats the animal’s rump for encouragement, while Scalisi stands ready, hand on the chute’s lever.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 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
Being great doesn't mean patting ourselves on the back while declaring our greatness.
—arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Standing in the pen behind the bull, Glass makes kissing noises and pats the animal’s rump for encouragement, while Scalisi stands ready, hand on the chute’s lever.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Crisp skin gives way to a perfectly rosy center, and the dish finds its soulmate in Chateau Elan’s reserve Merlot—a round and juicy red with just enough tannin to balance the duck’s richness.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Bone collectors will even chew a piece down to fit perfectly amid the other remains.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.—
James Factora,
Them.,
11 Apr. 2025
-
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.—
Ellen Mitchell,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Janine slips June a keycard and tells her to meet her there later, then scurries off to stroke stupid Bell’s stupid ego.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Research now shows that some stalwart seafarers stroked their way from mainland Europe to the island of Malta, about 60 miles away, about 8,500 years ago, according to an article in the journal Nature.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
This model specificity helps ensure that risk management practices are not only proactive but also finely tuned to the unique challenges of each sector.—
Ed Gaudet,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
This balance—an achievement, first, of writing, but one that is only possible because all the performances are so finely calibrated to the same frequency—is one for which the director is uniquely suited.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
There was the infamous time McMahon punished Triple H for hugging Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels in the center of the ring at a house show, breaking kayfabe when this was something wrestlers didn't do.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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Shelby Bottoms Greenway An oasis in Music City, this five-mile walking trail hugs the Cumberland River.—
Eva Fedderly,
Architectural Digest,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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