as in caressing
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of petting
Resulting from collaboration between policymakers, advocates, and law enforcement, the Act achieved its goals, reducing the number of unwanted captive big cats, shutting down cub-petting operations, and enhancing the safety of communities.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Prince William is seen petting their black cocker spaniel Orla, while a brown puppy (whose name has not yet been publicly revealed) is nestled near the heir's head.
—Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
In one clip, the keeper is seen petting Big Al on the back while wearing gloves, explaining the method behind the hands-on approach.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
My son loves the fun parts of puppy parenting like snuggling, petting, playing, and running together.
—Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
At peace with life at home spent petting Lala and cuddling with his husband.
—Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
The character was previously only seen from behind or in close-ups of his hands petting his sinister white kitty.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
In the Instagram video posted Saturday, Bardot is seen gently petting a young Doberman named Urphé, who suffered from severe generalized arthritis.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Fair officials confirmed, however, there were no hand-washing stations with soap and running water attached to the petting exhibit.
—Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Prince William is seen petting their black cocker spaniel Orla, while a brown puppy (whose name has not yet been publicly revealed) is nestled near the heir's head.
—Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
In one clip, the keeper is seen petting Big Al on the back while wearing gloves, explaining the method behind the hands-on approach.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
My son loves the fun parts of puppy parenting like snuggling, petting, playing, and running together.
—Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
At peace with life at home spent petting Lala and cuddling with his husband.
—Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
The character was previously only seen from behind or in close-ups of his hands petting his sinister white kitty.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
In the Instagram video posted Saturday, Bardot is seen gently petting a young Doberman named Urphé, who suffered from severe generalized arthritis.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Fair officials confirmed, however, there were no hand-washing stations with soap and running water attached to the petting exhibit.
—Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petting
Verb
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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
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The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, decreasing anxiety, and increasing positivity, according to the news release.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2026
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Two-year-old Lily Capasso stopped by, stroking a small paint brush on the starting line – a sign that the world’s most iconic marathon is for everyone, no matter their age.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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The Hall of Fame forward and all-time franchise leader in nearly every major statistical category walked into the arena with Timberwolves co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez after player introductions, receiving a roar from the crowd and patting his heart with his hand.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Petting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petting. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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