PAT DOWN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

pat down

verb

Definition of pat down

as in to shake down

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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 pat down Following his arrest, Elijah Lebron was allegedly found with a BB gun that resembled a firearm when he was patted down, Jaques said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 Its owner has said that guests were patted down by security, scanned with a metal detector wand and required to walk through a metal detector at the entrance. — Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2026 Cover lightly with soil, pat down gently, and water thoroughly. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026 Angela and several friends watched as Carlos was patted down and searched. — Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pat down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat down

Verb

Bernthal played the real-life Baltimore policeman Wayne Jenkins, who led a crew of officers who shook down people for cash and drugs.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026
Federal prosecutors, however, are alleging a complex plot to not only shake down Edens but also to hide evidence from the FBI.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026

Definition of shake down

Verb

For four years now, Metro light rail trains have been running down the center of Crenshaw Boulevard, and for just as long, residents say a major promise has been broken.

— Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Not Bone, But Nerve That something is the ulnar nerve, one of the three major nerves running down the arm.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

To find out how heavily mole rats rely on smell, the team collected odor bouquets from individual animals.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
But, until then, hunting for the clawless crustaceans could land you in jail, as a man from Ontario, Canada, found out this month.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of find out

Verb

With four minutes until penalties, Spain venture forward, Cesc Fabregas slips in Iniesta, who rifles it home to win the World Cup.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
His second attempt rifled across the box, just over a defender’s head and onto the foot of Jhon Arias near the back post.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

Definition of rifle

Verb

Since opening in 2012, the bar has been a place worth searching for, tucked away behind a community theater.

— USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
After a new landlord introduced new plans for the building, the family behind the Beverly Hills institution is left searching for a new space to serve its signature garlic noodles and roasted crab.

— Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of search

Verb

Cover sandboxes with a tarp when not in use and rake sand under playground equipment to help deter wasps.

— Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
In the instance above, his raking pass created a goal from what was originally a one-on-four situation in Argentina’s favour.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of rake

Verb

Arkansas does not review private school curriculum or the qualifications of the school leaders; anyone is free to open a private school.

— Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Previously, applicants were to be reviewed by a screening committee to suggest top applicants to the superintendent’s leadership team, who then sent a recommendation for filling the position.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

Definition of review

Verb

The Olathe Police Department is investigating the crash, Moncayo said.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
But each room is packed with nooks and crannies and knickknacks to click around on, investigate, and learn about, so there’s almost always something to dig into.

— Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigate

Browse Nearby Words

patchy

pat down

pate

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“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat%20down. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pat down

verb

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