as in favorites
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
as in pats
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pets
Marissa G. Muller, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
The rug’s backing is made of non-toxic and nonslip rubber that’s safe for kids and pets and won’t budge in high-traffic areas.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
The pandemic, which levelled many other industries, prompted exponential growth in pets, ant-keeping included.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 19 Sep. 2025
Through the Louis Vuitton Travels With Grace Coddington collection, which officially debuted Friday, the former editor made her wish of exploring the world with her pets possible, at least symbolically.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
While the dog breeds mentioned in the comments differ, an overwhelming amount of golden retriever owners were quick to share how seemingly awkward their own longtime pets can be.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Microwave ovens, which came along much later, enjoyed more widespread ownership and usage, both above 90%, in spite of urban legends about how microwaves will explode your pets and lower sperm counts.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
As previously reported by PEOPLE, the series will follow 12-year-old Paris Star, a girl who lives in a hotel penthouse alongside her five dogs, all inspired by Hilton’s own pets.
—Marissa G. Muller, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
The rug’s backing is made of non-toxic and nonslip rubber that’s safe for kids and pets and won’t budge in high-traffic areas.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
The pandemic, which levelled many other industries, prompted exponential growth in pets, ant-keeping included.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 19 Sep. 2025
Through the Louis Vuitton Travels With Grace Coddington collection, which officially debuted Friday, the former editor made her wish of exploring the world with her pets possible, at least symbolically.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
While the dog breeds mentioned in the comments differ, an overwhelming amount of golden retriever owners were quick to share how seemingly awkward their own longtime pets can be.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Microwave ovens, which came along much later, enjoyed more widespread ownership and usage, both above 90%, in spite of urban legends about how microwaves will explode your pets and lower sperm counts.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Afterward, the monster has a moment with Wendy, who pets its head, and communicates with it using clicking noises.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
That embryonic Xenomorph then shatters its container and leaps at Wendy, who pets it gently.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pets
Noun
-
Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers entered Week 3 action against the Cleveland Browns as huge favorites.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Sep. 2025
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Easier on the wallet, but no less decadent, the menu is full of regional favorites, like tajarin and fiori di zucca, salsiccia di Bra, and, of course, bunet or panna cotta for dessert.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Penny pats Harry's snout and jumps at his face at home.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
-
As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Bulls were the early-season darlings of the Group of Five, thanks to back-to-back upsets over Boise State and Florida.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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More Patrick McDermott/Getty Images The Packers, who had been the darlings of the national media last summer after coming within minutes of an NFC Championship Game appearance the previous season, lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia Eagles last season.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Henry brushes it off as a nightmare; after Bug moves on, Beauchamp strokes the medallion and sings himself to sleep.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
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In the town’s maternity ward, the only functioning facility of its kind for miles, Taisiya strokes Assol, her daughter born Sunday into a world where suddenly the risks of being in Sloviansk have multiplied.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pets. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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