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
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
After, rinse it with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Jan. 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
To peel dragon fruit: Wash the fruit well under cool running water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
After, rinse it with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pat
Adjective
-
Still facing a stubborn staffing crunch, the New York City Department of Correction will require officers to work mandatory 12-hour tours in a number of city jails, a move immediately criticized by their union.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Fiscal and monetary policy are walking a tightrope between weak real growth and stubborn inflation.—
William Pesek,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
The form-fitting gown also featured a train that paired perfectly with the upper portion.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Members can choose up to 10 departure airports, allowing maximum flexibility and personalized notifications that perfectly fit their travel needs.—
StackCommerce Team (Sponsored),
PCMAG,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
On Valentines Day, Rihanna sat with Mayers during another break, gently caressing his cheek while the couple sat on a courtroom bench, surrounded by beefy security guards.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Sultry music is played to set the tone while staff gently introduces attendees to pleasurable sensations—tracing soft touches along their thighs, caressing their décolleté with silky fur, or running fingers through their hair, as well as decorating them with flowers and crystals.—
Aubree Nichols,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Hamilton was adamant Ferrari had all the ingredients to win the world championship for the first time since 2008.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
-
But both brown and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – a marine biologist and policy expert – are adamant that modeling climate activism in popular culture need not be all about just ringing warning bells.—
Dan Heching,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
So, instead, Clinton watches Nazareth stroke a shot into the top right corner and ultimately earn Portugal a 1-1 draw in Friday’s opening Nations League match against England with 15 minutes of regular time remaining.—
Megan Feringa,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
-
In a clip viewed over 22 million times, Aj reaches a hand over and strokes her cat's back.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
-
In the meantime, colleges should remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law—principles that have long guided American higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
More recently, the medical-entrepreneurial bug took her back to early stage biopharma, and in particular, precision medicine treatments that can be tailored more finely to patient biology.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Very finely laced foliage complements flowers that are mostly sky blue but occasionally royal blue.—
Joshua Siskin,
Orange County Register,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In an ode to Tara’s win weeks earlier, Hunter hugged his wife after the event once again.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
-
When the ball found the bottom of the cup at 18, Aberg clenched his fist, punched the air, hugged his caddie and smiled.—
Kirk Kenney,
Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pat. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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