pet 1 of 4

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)

pet

3 of 4

adjective

pet

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verb

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
This affectionate boy adores people, thrives on human attention and will happily lean in for pets, snuggles or just to be close. Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 Additionally, anyone who believes that their pet may have made contact with the bat was urged to contact their primary veterinarian. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Season Schmitz, a volunteer with the organization, explained the overwhelming reality facing pet owners whose lives were upended overnight. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 Later in the segment, Delano had the opportunity to step into his journalist father's footsteps and announce the winners of a pet naming contest. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Mary petted her hound-Lab mix, Mickey. Matt Crossman, Midwest Living, 14 Apr. 2026 Attendees wearing cowboy hats line danced, petted fluffy white calves and posed for pictures in front of an inflated cactus. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet
Adjective
  • In New York City, Kathy Griffin poses with her beloved dogs, and Nick Jonas keeps it casual in a leather jacket and hoodie.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Michael’s commercial reception may seem to show the futility of trying to litigate truth regarding someone as once-beloved as its subject.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kids love the hands-on steps here — scooping soil, patting it down around the plants and writing Grandma’s name on a tag.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Kimmel, always happy to pat himself on the back, agreed.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to background information shared with press, the Aleutian Lady was equipped with cameras at the time of the incident, but it will not be shown on the show out of respect for his family and loved ones.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Ferrer then went back to the sinker, placed the 98 mph pitch on the outside edge of the plate and Merrill stroked it to left, clearing the bases for a walk-off win in front the remnants of a sellout crowd of 46,095.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Elderly residents face physical obstacles like climbing stairs in buildings without working elevators, while discovering cherished items destroyed or missing.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Electric Bleu is French food caressed with California seasonality and the occasional pop of Aussie nostalgia.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Another of White’s signature touches is his habit of repeatedly working with favorite actors.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Host a dinner, invite your favorite people over, and let your space become the destination.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Russia has been grabbing Mali’s precious minerals, including gold, in return for promising to protect the country against the rebels.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Embrace Timeworn Imperfections Nothing is too precious for daily use in a French home.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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