as in caressed
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
affectionately patted the baby on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patted
Edwards went over to the center after the play, discussed the situation, patted Gobert and moved forward.
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Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
While mingling with well-wishers, Charlotte, 10, gently patted her 12-year-old older brother’s back in a show of support and reassurance.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Trump patted Mamdani on the arm at one point and repeatedly patted his hand.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
When tackle Jonah Laulu dropped an interception, Mahomes went over and patted him on the back.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025
On one occasion, backup goalkeeper Matt Turner, seated to Pulisic’s right, put his left arm around Pulisic and patted his back, consoling him.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025
Both teams patted the star wideout on the back after he was loaded onto the cart.
—Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Turning toward Jean, Wole patted his breast pocket.
—David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Mariota was seen checking on Quinn and later patted blood from his face with a towel.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 21 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patted
Verb
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In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.—
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In one photo, the couple posed on the beach while Wyatt caressed her growing baby bump.—
Verb
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Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
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Trump’s allies have always stroked his ego to get their way.—
Cite this Entry
“Patted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patted. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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